Collin Sexton Is Thriving in Charlotte - And Making Cleveland Fans Wonder ‘What If?’
Collin Sexton isn’t exactly a household name in Northeast Ohio anymore. Once the centerpiece of the Cavaliers’ post-LeBron rebuild, he became a footnote in the blockbuster deal that brought Donovan Mitchell to Cleveland.
Since then, the focus has understandably shifted to Mitchell’s star power. But while Sexton faded from the Cleveland spotlight, he's been quietly putting together a strong campaign in Charlotte - and it's time we start paying attention.
The Hornets didn’t have to move mountains to acquire Sexton from the Utah Jazz this past offseason, but they’re already reaping the rewards. In a year focused on reshaping the roster around LaMelo Ball, Charlotte needed complementary pieces who could produce consistently and fit the system. Sexton has done just that - and then some.
He’s been one of the Hornets’ most reliable contributors, bringing energy, scoring, and a downhill attack that’s helped stabilize a young, evolving roster. His ability to create off the dribble and pressure the rim has added a much-needed dimension to Charlotte’s offense. For a team trying to find its identity, Sexton has been a steadying presence.
And back in Cleveland? Well, it’s hard not to notice how much Sexton’s skill set would help the Cavaliers right now.
Let’s be clear: the Cavaliers don’t regret trading for Donovan Mitchell. They shouldn’t.
Mitchell has been electric this season, already posting nine games with 35-plus points. Cleveland is 8-1 in those contests - a testament to just how vital he is to their offense.
Without him, this season might look a lot worse.
But imagine, just for a moment, if the Cavs could have both.
One of Cleveland’s biggest issues this year has been finding consistent offensive threats outside of Mitchell and Darius Garland - players who can break down defenses, attack closeouts, and generate quality looks. That’s exactly what Sexton brings.
He’s averaging 11.1 drives per game this season - a number that speaks to his aggressiveness and ability to get into the paint. That kind of pressure bends defenses and opens up opportunities for others.
Then there’s the shooting. The Cavaliers have been up and down from beyond the arc, struggling to find rhythm and consistency from deep. Sexton, meanwhile, is quietly hitting 36.6% of his threes this season - a solid mark that would instantly boost Cleveland’s spacing.
Of course, Sexton’s defense has never been his calling card. But it’s worth noting that Charlotte as a team ranks near the bottom of the league in defensive rating (117.3).
That context matters. It’s hard to stand out defensively when the entire unit is struggling.
Sexton isn’t locking guys down, but he’s not necessarily the problem either.
Then there’s the contract. Sexton’s deal is both movable and manageable - a key factor for any team looking to make a midseason adjustment without long-term financial baggage. His current contract expires after this season, meaning any team acquiring him would not only get a rental with upside, but also potential cap flexibility heading into the summer.
Now, this isn’t a call for the Cavaliers to go all-in on a reunion. But with the Hornets sitting at 8-18 and likely heading toward seller mode before the February trade deadline, Sexton could be a name worth monitoring. He’s playing well, he’s filling a clear role, and he’s showing that he still has plenty to offer - especially to a team that could use a little more juice off the dribble and reliability from deep.
Cleveland made the right move bringing in Mitchell. But as Sexton continues to thrive in Charlotte, it’s fair to wonder what this Cavaliers team might look like with one more shot-creator in the mix - especially one who used to call Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse home.