Cavs Announce They’ve Extended QO’s To Collin Sexton, RJ Nembhard

Both players will now become restricted free agents in a move that was a formality when it comes to Sexton, and a bit of a surprise with Nembhard. 

Sexton, 23, is 6-1 and played just 11 games before suffering a torn MCL last season. He led the team in scoring at 16.0 points at the time of the injury. In 2020-21 season, he averaged a team-high 24.3 points.

As relayed by Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Cavs had until Wednesday at 5 p.m. EST to extend the qualifying offer for Sexton, but decided to make it a day early. The free agency negotiating period begins Thursday.

“Collin is obviously super important like we’ve always talked about, a big part of our culture,” Altman said. “Can’t talk too much about that right now as he’s a restricted free agent, but you know how we feel about him.”

Nembhard, 23, is 6-5 and went undrafted out of Texas Christian in 2021, signing a two-way deal with Cleveland in October. He appeared in 14 games with the Cavs, as well as spent time with the Cleveland Charge of the G League.