CLEVELAND — Entering the 2022 NBA offseason, one of the biggest questions facing the Cleveland Cavaliers is the contract status of Collin Sexton.
But while the move was largely expected, the Cavs provided some clarity on Sexton's options for the summer, extending a qualifying offer to the fifth-year guard. In receiving a qualifying offer, Sexton becomes a restricted free agent, allowing him the ability to sign an offer sheet with another team -- with Cleveland maintaining the ability to match any offer sheet that he signs.
Should the Alabama product not sign an offer elsewhere -- or reach a long-term deal with the Cavs -- he could sign his qualifying offer, which would keep him under contract with Cleveland for the 2022-23 season at a $7.2 million salary. In that event, Sexton would become an unrestricted free agent -- free to sign with any team in the league -- next offseason.
While the Cavs have publicly stated their desire to sign Sexton to a long-term contract, it's notable that the two sides were unable to reach an extension prior to the deadline before the start of the 2021-22 season. And while the 23-year-old guard is now able to sign an offer sheet with any other team, there are only five franchises currently projected to enter the offseason with cap space -- the Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers -- according to Spotrac.
Gauging the value of Sexton is also a difficult task, as the Alabama product has had some impressive moments in the first four years of his NBA career, averaging 20 points per game on 45.8 percent shooting (37.8 percent from 3-point range), his efforts haven't translated to wins. Last season, he played in just 11 games before suffering a season-ending torn left meniscus.