Suns Lose Potential Target in Donovan Mitchell Trade

Collin Sexton would have been a great signing for Phoenix, yet he finds himself on his way to Utah.

The Phoenix Suns could still use more guard help, and many believed Cleveland Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton would have completed a dominant trio with Chris Paul and Devin Booker. 

Sexton, a restricted free agent with Cleveland, has sat on the market since June 30. Many pondered what his future would look like, as he's an obviously talented player with plenty of youth and upside left to his game. 

Now, we finally have an answer to his next team. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers surprised everybody by acquiring Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell in a blockbuster deal. Part of that trade sees Sexton on his way back with plenty of other ammo in exchange for Mitchell. 

Full trade: Utah is trading Donovan Mitchell to Cleveland for Lauri Markkanen, Ochair Agbaji, Collin Sexton, three unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 1, 2022

Sexton had to fulfill a sign-and-trade to Utah. He was taken care of financially. 

Sexton’s new $72M deal is fully guaranteed, sources said. https://t.co/V0w6X7WVM2

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 1, 2022

Sexton was likely always out of the question, especially when you factor in his status as a restricted free agent (Phoenix fans now know how all of that works thanks to Deandre Ayton) and his potential price tag. 

Now, however, Sexton is officially off the block with his arrival in Utah. The Cavaliers get an exciting presence in their backcourt, and the Suns continue to search for other pieces to chase a ring. 

Could Dennis Schroder be in that mix? The veteran guard could provide valuable minutes off the bench while running the Suns' offense, and is one of the last big names available on the market. 

The Suns have a Non-Taxpayer MLE (Mid-Level Exception) worth $10.49 million available for use. 

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