Latest news with #CollinSexton
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA rumors: Hornets' Collin Sexton trade comes after Chris Paul revelation
The post NBA rumors: Hornets' Collin Sexton trade comes after Chris Paul revelation appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Charlotte Hornets continued their offseason activity by orchestrating another trade, this time acquiring combo guard Collin Sexton from the Utah Jazz. While the trade came as a surprise, further reports suggest that the move occurred after the team realized they would be out of the running for veteran free agent Chris Paul. The Hornets were one of several teams interested in Paul, but believe the 40-year-old wants to sign with a West Coast team in free agency, according to Mark Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. Charlotte remains interested in adding a quality backup point guard, but acquired Sexton to further its backcourt depth. 'The Stein Line has likewise learned that the Charlotte Hornets also planned to make a run at Paul — who grew up in North Carolina — but have all but conceded internally that the former Wake Forest star will almost certainly decide to stay on the West Coast if he returns for a 21st NBA season,' Stein and Fischer reported. 'Charlotte is known to be pursuing veteran ball handlers to back up All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball and is perceived to be one of the potential landing spots for Cleveland's Ty Jerome.' Paul averaged a career-low 8.8 points, but a stellar 7.4 assists in just 28 minutes per game in 2024-2025. Perhaps most impressively, he started all 82 games for just the second time in his 20-year-long career. Sexton, 26, provides much more scoring but less facilitating than Paul. The former lottery pick put up 18.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game in 2024-2025. Collin Sexton trade adds to Hornets' loaded backcourt Coming off another disappointing, injury-riddled season, the Hornets are reportedly entering free agency with a focus on adding guard depth. However, they continue to address that issue before the official window opens. Sexton is the fourth guard Charlotte has added early in the offseason. The team's previous deal, which sent Mark Williams to the Phoenix Suns, brought Vasilije Micic back to the organization. The Hornets also notably added Kon Knueppel and Sion James in the 2025 NBA Draft. The slew of incoming guards turned heads, considering the team's two best players — LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller — already run the backcourt. By trading Williams and Jusuf Nurkic, Charlotte is also noticeably thin up front. The Hornets have yet to add a true backup point guard, but their free agency might now be more focused on replacing their lost big men. Related: Hornets acquire Collin Sexton from Jazz for Jusuf Nurkic Related: Hornets rumors: Charlotte targeting move LaMelo Ball will love
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Collin Sexton breaks silence after trade to Hornets
The post Collin Sexton breaks silence after trade to Hornets appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Charlotte Hornets scored big when they acquired Collin Sexton from the Utah Jazz. Even without securing the talents of Chris Paul, the Hornets aren't complaining. Consequently, Sexton is ecstatic about this new opportunity and has expressed as much, according to Rod Boone of The Charlotte Observer. 'Super grateful for the opportunity. Ready to come in and help build the culture and be a leader right away,' Sexton said. 'I feel like the last couple of weeks practicing and stuff, it's been a lot of fun but also getting used to the guys.' Last year, Sexton finished his third season with the Jazz. Altogether, he averaged 18.4 points and 4.2 assists per game. Sexton is entering a team full of young talent, including Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and LaMelo Ball. He is in attendance in Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League and emphasized the importance of supporting the newcomers. 'That is something that we've talked about,' he said. 'We want as many guys here to support the younger guys. As you can see, we've had an excellent turnout.' Additionally, Sexton discussed creating a family atmosphere with the Hornets. 'Whether it's on the court, off the court, whether you have questions about basketball, about life, we all are here, and it's a brotherhood,' Sexton said. 'We've got to pick up one another, and when someone is down, be there to encourage them when they need it.' In addition to leadership, Sexton is a stellar scorer and playmaker. He can drive to the basket and can finish consistently. Furthermore, Sexton can get the best out of his players with added assist totals this past year. Meanwhile, the Hornets are coming off a 19-63 season. They aim to ignite a spark for this band of young guns. Sexton is expected to deliver in that realm. Related: Hornets' Kon Knueppel exits Summer League game with head injury Related: Charlotte Hornets 2025 NBA free agency grades for every signing
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bold Trade Idea: Celtics Get Two Key Jazz Players In "2 For 2" Deal
Bold Trade Idea: Celtics Get Two Key Jazz Players In "2 For 2" Deal originally appeared on Fadeaway World. After the Boston Celtics failed in the second round in the postseason, don't assume the front office will kick their feet up and run it back. In fact, the opposite might be true. Advertisement With a suffocating second apron looming and several high-salaried stars on the books, Boston could be forced into subtraction by necessity, and one surprising name on the chopping block is Kristaps Porzingis. This is purely about sustainability, and if Brad Stevens wants to keep this team contending deep into the decade without drowning in luxury tax penalties, he'll need to make some tough calls. Jayson Tatum is nursing an Achilles injury, and besides him, nobody on the team can be deemed untouchable. Enter the Utah Jazz, a team with no illusions of title contention this season but plenty of win-now pieces ready to be leveraged. A '2 for 2' swap could benefit both sides: the Celtics offload a hefty contract while upgrading their starting five with grittier, more durable depth, and the Jazz land a star to jumpstart their next phase. Don't be surprised if Boston kicks the tires on this kind of shakeup. They've proven they're not afraid of bold moves, and this one could balance their books and boost their repeat chances. Advertisement Proposed Trade Details Boston Celtics Receive: Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton Utah Jazz Receive: Derrick White, Kristaps Porzingis Boston Celtics Gain Shooting And Defense At A Cheaper Level Boston bolsters its frontcourt and backcourt simultaneously in this trade. Walker Kessler, fresh off a breakout 2024-25 campaign, averaged 11.1 PPG, 12.2 RPG, and 2.4 BPG while shooting an electric 66.3% from the field. At just 23 and on $4.9M next season, his rim protection and rebounding prowess fill a glaring need for attack anchors, all while replacing Porzingis' hefty $30 million salary with a much more cost-effective option, freeing room under the dreaded second apron. Advertisement Meanwhile, Collin Sexton ($19M next season) brings explosive scoring and elite energy to Boston's guard rotation. In 63 games for Utah, he dropped 18.4 PPG, connecting on 40.6% from deep and showcasing top-tier on-ball quickness. Sexton's ability to generate offense off the dribble and stretch the floor offers versatility and spark alongside Tatum and Brown, laddering the Celtics with a younger, cheaper punch. Together, Kessler and Sexton don't just fill roles; they offer long-term upside. Kessler's interior game enhances Boston's defense, while Sexton's backcourt chops sharpen their offensive edge. Both come on cheaper salaries, allowing Boston cap flexibility and appeasing CBA restrictions, all while injecting youth and athleticism into a veteran lineup. Utah Jazz Add Some Win-Now Pieces Around Lauri Markkanen And The No. 5 Overall Pick Utah pivots to veteran leadership with this move. Derrick White, a steady All-Defensive guard, averages 16.4 PPG, 4.8 APG, and 4.5 RPG across 76 games alongside Porzingis, thriving in Boston's systems. His two-way consistency, especially in crunch time, brings veteran savvy and playmaking punch to Utah's younger squad. Advertisement On the other end of the court, Kristaps Porzingis brings elite spacing and rim protection, averaging $30.7 million next season. In Boston, he displayed his gravity, floor-stretching, and defense. Utah lands a high-impact big man who can form a formidable frontcourt pairing with Lauri Markkanen and bolster their competitiveness. This deal signals Utah's 'win-now' approach around Markkanen, infusing the roster with experienced, proven contributors. Jumping from a pure rebuild, the Jazz could quickly become a dark-horse playoff team, pairing youth and draft assets with veteran guidance and immediate impact talent. A Perfect "2 For 2" Deal Involving Some Key Moving Parts The financials align beautifully. Boston sheds Porzingis' $30M contract, replacing it with Kessler and Sexton's combined $24M, providing breathing room under the second apron while keeping core stars intact. The move also sidesteps luxury tamp restrictions, preserving future trades, draft flexibility, and roster fluidity. Advertisement Utah, meanwhile, swaps two veteran expiring pieces for a defensive anchor and offensive spark. They upgrade from mid-tier rotation players to two veterans capable of immediately elevating the team around Markkanen. It's a statement: they believe this season and postseason contention are within reach. Narratively, it's strategic chess. Boston gains gearable youth with upside and cap relief, while Utah grabs leadership and spacing to accelerate their window. Both teams walk away strengthened, a classic win-win execution that tightens margins, maximizes assets, and turns needs into opportunities. Related: 5 Best Packages The Boston Celtics Can Get For Jaylen Brown This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
What the Jazz Trading Collin Sexton Means for Walter Clayton Jr.
What the Jazz Trading Collin Sexton Means for Walter Clayton Jr. originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Utah Jazz have a bright future ahead of them in their backcourt. Utah selected uber-talented Ace Bailey with the No. 5 pick and traded up to get former Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. at No. 18. Advertisement With these incoming rookies, the Jazz traded guard Collin Sexton and a 2030 second-round draft pick to the Charlotte Hornets for 12-year NBA veteran center Jusuf Nurkic on Sunday, first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. With the departure of Sexton, who started 112 games for the Jazz over the past two years while averaging over 18 points per contest, this opens up the door for Bailey, and possibly Clayton, to enter the starting five right away. Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. dribbles the ball against the Auburn Tigers during the men's Final Donnan-Imagn Images Utah will almost certainly begin the season with Bailey as a starter, but the question is will Clayton get the starting nod on opening night? It is clear the Jazz are very high on the national champion Clayton. Utah traded up three spots from 21st to 18th on draft night to select him two picks before the Miami Heat were on the clock. Before the draft, there were reports that Miami would select Clayton if he were available at No. 20. Advertisement Clayton is coming off an incredible senior year at Florida, earning first-team All-America honors, the only UF player to achieve this distinction in program history. He averaged over 18 points with three made 3-pointers per game en route to a national title with the Gators. With Clayton and Bailey set to make their NBA Summer League debuts in the next two weeks, it will be very interesting to see where they end up come late October. Related: Florida Projected to have Second Straight Big NBA Draft in 2026 This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Grading Hornets-Jazz trade involving Collin Sexton, Jusuf Nurkic
The post Grading Hornets-Jazz trade involving Collin Sexton, Jusuf Nurkic appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Utah Jazz traded veteran guard Collin Sexton to the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. The Jazz, who included a second-round pick in the 2030 NBA Draft, received veteran center Jusuf Nurkic in return. Advertisement Both Sexton and Nurkic are entering contract years. Making the money work was easy, with both set to make around $19 million next year. It had been rumored that Sexton would be available in trades this offseason. Utah drafted guards Keyonte George and Brice Sensabaugh in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft. The next year, they selected guard Isaiah Collier in the first round. On Wednesday, they drafted guard Walter Clayton Jr., the fourth first-round pick they've used on a guard in three drafts. As more of their young talent approaches paydays, more experienced players like Jordan Clarkson and Sexton become natural choices for the 'chopping block.' What type of moves could the Jazz make that involve one or two of these guards and set their core up for success? They opted to send Sexton to the Eastern Conference for a big man. The Jazz only had incoming fourth-year center Walker Kessler and Kyle Filipowski, fresh off his rookie campaign, at center. Both players represent a balance of now and later, already able to impact winning basketball but with room to grow. Nurkic, an 11-year NBA veteran, could help both reach their potential. Advertisement The Hornets drafted 6'7″ guard Kon Knueppel with the fourth pick in Wednesday night's draft. He joined guards LaMelo Ball and recent first-round draft pick Nick Smith Jr. on the roster, making Sexton the fourth under contract next season with 24-year-old guard Tre Mann entering restricted free agency. Was this the best the Hornets could have done to replace him? Was trading Nurkic days after trading Mark Williams the right move? Hornets get smaller, score big in Nurkic-Sexton swap Jeffrey Swinger-Imagn Images A 26-year-old guard, after the second-straight season in which he was excellent on offense, being traded away is a tough sell. Sexton averaged 18.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while making 48% of his field goals this past year. He led the Jazz in scoring for the second-straight year. Advertisement Sexton turned the ball over 2.5 times on average. But his 40.6% conversion rate on his 4.3 3-point attempts per game was a career-best. The advanced analytics on Sexton's past two seasons indicate his offensive impact is legitimate. His Estimated Offensive Plus-Minus rating of +1.5 represented greater offensive impact than 87% of NBA players that year. His +3.0 mark in the 2023-24 season was in the 95th percentile of that season's O-EPM ratings, per Dunks and Threes. At face value, parting ways with Nurkic is a tough but potentially necessary sacrifice to acquire a player like Sexton. His high-octane offensive capabilities could both complement Ball's playmaking well and help the team maintain its offense when Ball sits. Receiving a second-round draft selection several years down the road tilts this trade enough in the Hornets' direction to consider it a 'success' for them on-paper. Sexton and Ball may struggle on defense, especially without a defensive anchor of a big supporting them. The Hornets traded both Nurkic and Williams, the two centers they had on their roster, within days of each other. This makes the team's need for a center dire. Nurkic, who just had the highest defensive-rebounding percentage of his career last year, could have been more valuable to the Hornets than other teams. Advertisement Center play, however, has typically been the most easily replaceable position in the modern era. The Hornets bet on the center play they can acquire in free agency, coupled with incoming fourth-year small-ball center Moussa Diabate, being enough for next year. Hornets trade grade: A- Sexton will need a new deal after his opening campaign with Charlotte. Locking in a 27-year-old Sexton for 'the prime years' of his career is worth giving up a steady hand in Nurkic for a team like the Hornets, searching for perennial playoff appearances. Jazz add rebounding, experience via veteran Jusuf Nurkic Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images Nurkic played 51 games last season between his time with the Hornets and the Phoenix Suns. His 81st percentile Defensive-EPM of +0.8 is indicative of a 'still got it' factor with regard to his ability to anchor a defense. His +2.5 rating on that end of the court from the season before was better than 95% of the NBA last year. Advertisement Availability is beginning to come into question with Nurkic, though. Some were part of the trade process and not representative of his health, but he missed 33 games total last season. He played 76 the year before, a nice figure, which unfortunately stands out as an outlier. Nurkic played just 52 games in 2023 and 56 in 2022. That's after he played a combined 45 in the two years before, 2019-21, because of troubles with leg injuries. When he's on the court, though, his value is clear. He rebounded 31.8% of opposing team's misses when he was on defense, a career-best rate. That was in the 99th percentile among all NBA players in the 2025 season. From 2019 to 2024, Nurkic's O-EPM had been in the 69th percentile or better – except for 2021, a 59th percentile output. Last season, his -1.9 O-EPM rating was in the 31st percentile that year. Especially after trading Sexton, the Jazz don't have a playmaker on the level of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, or LaMelo Ball yet. Will they be able to scheme an offense that facilitates a bounce back season? Jazz trade grade: C- Head coach Will Hardy prioritizes the optimization of his talent. Will the team's young guards have developed enough to allow the addition of Nurkic to pay dividends? Or will the Bosnian big man's contributions be unfortunately overlooked as the team's offense has a Sexton-sized hole in it? Advertisement Whether or not Nurkic is a key contributor in Utah, it feels like they could have gotten more for Sexton. Was being so set on trading him even the right way to handle his pending free agency? If the team is interested in starting to win some games, the dynamo scoring guard now on the Hornets may have been able to help. Related: 10 worst GMs in NBA history, ranked Related: NBA rumors: Rockets the biggest threat to steal away key Lakers free agent
