Doing a sign and trade of Collin Sexton for Gary Harris would be a horrible mistake

The Cleveland Cavaliers shouldn’t trade Collin Sexton for Gary Harris

The Cleveland Cavaliers are waiting to see what Collin Sexton decides for the 2022-2023 season. Right now there are three possibilities but only two are currently in play. The first option is that Sexton plays on the one-year offer the Cavs designated him with to keep him a restricted free agent. This would then see Sexton enter free agency unrestricted in 2023. Then Sexton could accept the Cavs’ offer of $40 million over three years.

Considering the next point, that may be his best bet. The third option, which isn’t in play right now, is that Sexton accepts another team’s offer. If this is done, due to his restricted designation, the Cavs can match any offer given to him, and retain Sexton regardless if the young guard wants to leave Cleveland or not.

Since no team has made an offer (or made one that surpasses the Cavs), there’s no worry about the third option at this point.

Yet, some fans think that the Cavs would be better off signing and trading Sexton. Sure, the injury concern is real, but a second unit made up of Sexton, Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio will wreck the league. So Sexton has value for this team.

So when I see trade ideas where the Cavs give up Sexton and get back…Gary Harris…I have to wonder what we’re doing here.

Trading Collin Sexton is an option but not for Gary Harris

Right now, Sexton has two options; take the $7.23 qualifying offer he has as a restricted free agent and go into free agency next year, or take the $12+ million a year for three years. That’s it. Sexton may want to test free agency but if he comes in and isn’t able to rebound right away, that’ll affect his value even more than it is. That would all but destroy his chances of getting paid $10+ on any contract in 2023.

Sure, he could have a huge year and bump up his value in 2023 but he could also hurt it. That’s the risk these players take. I say take the $40 million deal, but if he really doesn’t want that offer and is dead set on testing free agency, then sure, look to trade him.

Just don’t settle for Gary Harris.

Our sister site at King James Gospel has a trade in place that would see Sexton and Dylan Windler go to Orlando for Harris and Chuma Okeke. Firstly, You’re settling for Harris and Okeke? What? Secondly, this deal exists to “get Sexton paid”.

Listen, I don’t care how much Sexton makes the minute he leaves Cleveland, and I’m not going to be some simpy GM that trades a guy to where he wants to go. I’m trading a guy for the best package available, period. I’m not taking back bit parts on Sexton like Harris and Okeke.

No, if I’m trading with Dallas, I’m starting with Franz Wagner and going from there. I’m not here to do Sexton or Orlando any favors. Now, if Sexton was 35, a franchise legend, and was missing a title, that’s a different story.

That’s not where Sexton is, and his value to the team is at an all-time low. I’m not cashing out without getting some in return besides Harris’ bloated $13 million a year contract. Harris is the 6th option on a team, and that’s when he’s healthy enough to play, which he never is. He’s a three-point shooting specialist who can’t play defense, and can’t stay on the court.

I’d make the deal if we’re talking just Windler for Harris straight up; sure. But for Sexton?

Heck no.

The trade the author proposed serves a second function, creating cap space in 2023, probably with the idea of LeBron James returning to Cleveland. Listen, James should stay the heck away from Cleveland, the man is an anchor that weighs down teams. If he does want to come back, he can prove his willingness to end his run with the Cavs by taking the league minimum.

With Love’s contract ending this year, and the Cavs not needing to extend Sexton or take back Harris, the Cavs can make salary cap space without doing a dumb trade. So just don’t do a dumb trade and you’ll have cap space next year.

But also, if you trade Sexton, make sure it’s a team that makes you better long-term, not in the short-term. Trading Sexton just to clear cap space for a 39-year-old James is not a long-term fix. So stop with the short-sighted ideas.