The Miami Heat probably would not have gone all the way to the NBA Finals this past season had it not been for their undrafted sensations. This was both a blessing and a curse for the Heat in that NBA free agency made sure that they wouldn’t be able to hold on to these players.
One of them is Max Strus, who pocketed just $1.8 million in salary last season. His contract ran out at the end of the campaign, and he emerged as one of the hottest commodities in the market. So much so, that ultimately, Miami was unable to keep him, with the 27-year-old now heading over to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of a sign-and-trade deal.
Max Strus Signs Four-Year, $63 Million Contract In Sign-And-Trade Deal To Cavs
The Heat did all that they could to keep Strus. In the end, however, they just couldn’t match the spending power of the Cavs. This came out to a $63 million deal for four years.
Strus had a breakout season with Miami last season, averaging 11.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, while also connecting on 2.5 triples per game on a 35.0-percent clip.
The silver lining for Miami here is that at least they didn’t lose Strus for nothing. They managed to salvage the move by converting it into a sign-and-trade move. After Strus signed the four-year contract with Miami, they immediately traded him to the Cavs in what turned out to be a three-team deal. In return, the Heat got a second-round pick and a trade exception. The San Antonio Spurs, the third team in the deal, acquired the services of Cedi Osman and Lamar Stevens, as well as a second-round pick.
Bucks To Face New-Look Cavs Side Next Season
Strus wasn’t the only free agency recruit for the Cavs. Apart from the 6-foot-5 swingman, Cleveland also agreed to a deal with Georges Niang on a three-year deal worth $26 million. The Cavs also added Ty Jerome on a two-year, $5 million contract. In spite of interest from opposing team, Cleveland was also able to retain Caris LeVert, who agreed to sign a two-year deal worth $32 million.
The Cavs’ core remains intact, but they were able to add a number of important pieces. As such, the Milwaukee Bucks will be facing a new-look Cleveland side this coming season. These two Central Division rivals split their four-game season series last term, with the Cavs winning their last two meetings in Cleveland.
Donovan Mitchell and Co. did not have the best campaign in 2022-23, which is exactly why they’re retooling right now. They expect to come back with a vengeance this coming season, and the Bucks are likely to face a more formidable Cleveland side. In fact, it would not be surprising if these two teams end up matching up against each other in the playoffs.
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