3 possible reasons why the Jazz are willing to part with Collin Sexton
By Matt John
2. Sexton has never won over Will Hardy
Despite Sexton proving his scoring abilities even before the Jazz acquired him, he's never quite earned Hardy's trust. This is best evidenced by the fact that Sexton still isn't seeing the consistent minutes in Utah that he did in Cleveland.
Sexton's minute load once topped at 35.3 minutes a game with the Cavaliers, but in what may have been his most efficient season ever, Sexton averaged 26.6 minutes a game. Not only that, but in 126 games in Utah, Sexton has started in 66 of them. Barely over half the games he has played in.
Now, as for why Hardy doesn't seem to trust him much, that is anyone's guess. Sexton's production not turning into team success will make it difficult for him to shed the "Good stats, bad team" label until further notice. Perhaps he believes this is as good as it gets from Sexton in terms of how well he plays, and in turn, how the Jazz play with him.
Sexton may very well thrive with the right coach for him. That just doesn't appear to be Hardy.
3. The Jazz could get some real value out of him
Despite the Jazz' preference to develop George or Hardy not giving Sexton the keys to the Jazz's offense, there's plenty to like about what Sexton brings. There aren't that many guards who can score with the efficiency Sexton does who aren't already stars. His playmaking also took a leap as well, as he averaged 4.9 assists a game despite a smaller role in Utah,
Sexton has two years left on his deal worth under $38 million. Getting someone who can score at the rate Sexton does at a time in which the NBA's salary cap is expected to skyrocket could make for quite the bargain for any interested party. Teams who are looking for that kind of scoring at a discount may be willing to pay a good price for him.
Making an All-Star team doesn't appear to be in the cards for Sexton for the time being. Still, discounted shot-creating guards are hard to come by in today's NBA. Even if the Jazz may not want him, now may be a good time to capitalize on his trade value while they can.