Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton has meniscus tear, will have 'extended absence'

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the positive surprises of the early portion of the 2021-22 NBA season. They improved to 7-4 via Sunday's 126-109 win at the New York Knicks. That victory could prove to be costly, however, as the Cavs lost a key contributor during that contest. 

"Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton left Sunday night’s road game at New York in the second quarter with a left knee injury and did not return to action," Cleveland explained in a statement released Monday. "Further examination of the injury and an MRI administered today at Cleveland Clinic Sports Health revealed a meniscus tear. Sexton will undergo additional evaluation after which time his status will be updated."

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski adds Sexton will "have an extended absence" due to the setback. 

Sexton's future with the Cavaliers has been a hotly debated topic among both fans and analysts after the team declined to sign him to an extension last month. According to ESPN stats, he leads Cleveland in scoring with 16.0 points per game. 

Before Monday's update, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported the Cavaliers "remain interested in a long-term deal" with Sexton, but it's unknown how his injury may impact the club's feelings about him moving forward. 

The Cavs host the 7-3 Washington Wizards on Wednesday.