CLEVELAND — Monday marks the 25th day of the NBA offseason. And thus far, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Collin Sexton have yet to reach a deal.
But while the Cavs and Sexton seem to have a mutual interest in him signing a long-term contract with the team, it doesn't appear that the two sides will be reaching an agreement any time soon. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Cleveland's negotiations with Sexton could last into the team's training camp in September -- if not later.
"Collin Sexton is in the midst of the most difficult free agency status — restricted free agency — but the fourth-year guard and his representation, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, have shown so far that they won’t settle in negotiations," Charania wrote on Monday. "Discussions could go into training camp, and potentially into the season when the landscape of the league’s rosters shift."
As Charania noted, the biggest hangup in the Cavs' negotiations with Sexton seem to stem from his status as a restricted free agent, which gives Cleveland the ability to match any offer sheet he signs with another team. As a result, potential suitors might be less likely to offer a deal to the Alabama product knowing that the Cavs would respond by simply matching the deal.
It's also worth noting that at this point in the offseason, such potential suitors are limited, with only three teams -- the Indiana Pacers, San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons -- possessing cap space, per Spotrac. As a result, unless Sexton and Cleveland are able to reach an agreement, it may make the most sense for the 23-year-old guard to sign his one-year, $7.2 million qualifying offer and become an unrestricted free agent next offseason.