6. Cleveland Cavaliers signing (and trading) Max Strus
Losing to the New York Knicks in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, it was clear that the Cleveland Cavaliers needed to add a wing or two during the offseason. In many ways, their decision to not pursue an NBA Trade Deadline candidate like Josh Hart hurt their chances of making a deep playoff run. To start the offseason, the Cavs made it clear they were ready and willing to make a splash at the position.
And that’s what they did by signing and trading for Max Strus. In the end, the Cavs signed Strus to a four-year, $63 million deal. It’s not a huge deal compared to the other contracts that we’ve already talked about but it is considering it was the only splash the Cavs made this offseason.
In essence, this is a move that has to truly pay off for it to not be viewed as a failure. Quite frankly, I have some big questions about whether Strus can be that player for the Cavs. Strus was productive for the Heat but you can’t help but wonder if that had more to do with Miami’s system or if Strus is a full-time starting-caliber player in the NBA.
It’s certainly a big risk.