Report: Collin Sexton Wanted $170M From Cavs

 

There would appear to be a bit of a disconnect between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Collin Sexton. The 23-year-old point guard was eligible for an extension before the season, but nothing materialized. A report now from The Athletic says Sexton was asking for up to $170 million, the max rookie extension. And the Cavs wanted none of that. 

Collin Sexton’s side originally asked for the type of money De’Aaron Fox and Jamal Murray received, a source tells @ByJasonLloyd.

◻️ Fox: Five years, $163M
◻️ Murray: Five years, $170M

“The Cavs weren’t interested in anything close to that.”

More: https://t.co/dA0BLckZXP pic.twitter.com/Kba0UcrXMv

— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) October 31, 2021

The report says that the Cavs aren't sold yet on Sexton as a long-term piece, and they first wanted to see how he fit this season with the real face of the franchise going forward, Evan Mobley. 

Given that Sexton's 2018 rookie class just set a record with over ONE BILLION DOLLARS in extensions, it's natural that he was disappointed. How this will play out this season in his relationship with the team remains to be seen. 

The early returns are mixed, with Sexton balling out at times, but overall his scoring is down from 24 to just 17 points per game, and his assists from 4.4 to just 1.9. His usage rate, according to the report, is at its lowest since his rookie season. 

According to Cleveland beat reporter Jason Lloyd, in the previous five drafts before Sexton's class (2013-2017) there have been 31 top-ten draftees that failed to reach agreement on a rookie contract extension, and only six of those ended up staying with their original team.

Sexton becomes a restricted free agent at season's end.

Photo Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports