Ricky Rubio trade signals the end of Collin Sexton’s time with Cavaliers

After acquiring Ricky Rubio from the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Cleveland Cavaliers have essentially signaled that Collin Sexton’s time with the team is over.

There was expected to be chaos prior to and during the 2021 NBA Draft, and that was exactly the case. The Cleveland Cavaliers did not make a big splash trade like the Los Angeles Lakers did with the Russell Westbrook trade, but they did add a veteran presence to their backcourt.

The Cavs acquired guard Ricky Rubio, a 2022 second-round selection and cash from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for forward Taurean Prince. While this trade may seem minor, it could basically spell the end of Collin Sexton’s time in Cleveland.

Cavaliers: Ricky Rubio trade could spell end of Collin Sexton in Cleveland

Sexton was once seen as Cleveland’s point-man for the foreseeable future. The thing is the Cavaliers have Darius Garland in the backcourt as it is, and Sexton is eligible for what will be an expensive contract extension this summer — the exact same time as center Jarrett Allen. A recent report from Sports Illustrated’s Jeremy Woo indicated that the Cavaliers have begun to explore trade options for Sexton.

After the acquisition of Rubio, the Cavaliers essentially confirmed that report, and it is now a matter of which team is willing to negotiate a deal. Not only will said organization have to send over assets, but they will have to be willing to sign Sexton to a contract extension. That could come as early as this summer, where the guard could earn $168 million over five years.

Sexton is coming off a career-season, where he averaged 24.3 points, 4.4 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game while shooting 47.5 percent from the field and 37.1 percent from 3-point range.

With Rubio now joining the Cavs, all eyes will now be set on Sexton to see where he ends up this summer.