Cavs secure Max Strus for the next four years in sign-and-trade agreement
Cavs prioritize shooting, sign Max Strus to $63 million deal.
The Cleveland Cavaliers wasted no time addressing their offseason priority of finding shooting. After their disappointing early exit from the playoffs, Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman made it clear that shooting would be the franchise's main focus this summer. And true to their word, the Cavs have made some significant moves to bolster their shooting capabilities.
On Friday, the team re-signed Caris LeVert and signed Georges Niang to multi-year deals. These signings were just the beginning of the Cavs' shooting spree. On Saturday morning, they made another big move by agreeing to a four-year, $63 million deal with free agent guard Max Strus in a sign-and-trade with the Miami Heat.
The Cavs acquired Strus in a three-team deal that also involved the San Antonio Spurs. In addition to Strus, the Cavs sent Cedi Osman, Lamar Stevens, and a future second-round pick to the Spurs, and a second-round pick to the Heat. This trade allowed the Cavs to add Strus to their roster while also reshaping their team composition.
Shooting has been the Cavs' top priority, and both Niang and Strus fit the bill. Strus boasts a career 37.1 percent shooting percentage from beyond the arc. Last season, he had a career-high average of 11.5 points per game and played a crucial role in helping the Miami Heat make it to the NBA Finals. While he did experience a cold stretch during the playoffs, his overall performance boosted his stock and made it clear that he was a valuable asset.
With Strus on board, the Cavs have the option to slide him into the starting small forward role, with Isaac Okoro coming off the bench. This flexibility is made possible by the re-signing of LeVert, who provides depth and versatility at the 2-3 positions.
Niang, a 6-7 forward, adds even more shooting prowess to the Cavs' roster. He boasts an impressive career shooting percentage of 40 percent from beyond the arc. His ability to spread the floor will be a valuable asset for the team.
Overall, the Cavs have made significant strides in addressing their shooting needs this offseason. The additions of Strus and Niang, along with the re-signing of LeVert, have bolstered the team's shooting capabilities and provided them with more options on the court. With these moves, the Cavs are positioning themselves for a stronger performance in the upcoming season.
For more updates on the Cleveland Cavaliers and their offseason moves, you can follow Ryan Lewis on Twitter at @ByRyanLewis or reach out to him at [email protected].
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