The Miami Heat are set up well for right now and the future. They have veteran stars and young stars alike, but if the chance to improve presents itself, why not take it?
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been rumored to be shopping Collin Sexton. The 22-year-old point guard will be going into the final year of his rookie deal next season.
He averaged 24.3 points and 4.4 assists last season. Better yet, he did so on great efficiency, shooting 47.5% from the field and 37.5% from deep.
Sexton took 18.4 shots a game and was the focal point of the Cavs’ offense. Despite this, the team is looking to go in a different direction.
The Miami Heat struggled to score the ball last year. Adding Sexton to the roster would certainly help them out in that category at the very least.
Cleveland owns the third pick in this year’s draft where guards are at a premium. Players such as Jalen Suggs and Jalen Green are both expected to be available.
Both of these guards have the potential to be franchise players. With that in mind, pairing one of them with Darius Garland looks to be the Cavs’ priority.
Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated reports that the Cavaliers will look to trade Sexton. The reason being that they would rather “move on from Sexton, rather than sign him to a deal that would greatly inhibit their flexibility moving forward.”
Sexton played at an All-Star level this past season, so what would his price tag be? Well considering the Cavs are openly shopping him, it could be lower than many think.
Trading one young piece for a better one
This would probably be the largest price Miami would be willing to pay for Sexton, and it’s likely the best offer they can give. They could trade Goran Dragic, but with Cleveland going in a young direction that might not be worth it.
Tyler Herro was phenomenal for the Heat in his rookie season. His numbers actually went up across the board last season, outside of his three-point percentage.
He is still a great prospect that has great upside, but Sexton is clearly the better player. A duo of Sexton and Bam Adebayo seemingly has more upside than Herro and Adebayo.
While Jimmy Butler is still a crucial part to the Heat, it’s important to think long-term as well. By adding Sexton, Miami would have two All-Star caliber players below the age of 23.
Giving up on Herro may upset some Heat fans, but the potential for stardom is clearer with Sexton. He’s the perfect fit in Miami.
His work ethic is highly touted throughout the league, and has been well documented since high school. Sexton would be able to harness that energy to the max with the Heat.
This would create a big three of Sexton, Butler, and Adebayo for next season. If the Heat can re-sign Duncan Robinson and other important pieces, that should be enough to make a serious run in the playoffs.