The Cavaliers are actively exploring a Max Strus trade to create even more financial flexibility for their pursuit of Peyton Watson or Jonathan Kuminga while preparing to finalize a new multiyear deal with James Harden.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are not finished reshaping their roster after moving Dennis Schroder to the Charlotte Hornets.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Cleveland remains actively searching for a trade involving Max Strus, who is entering the final year of his contract at $16.7 million.
The Cavaliers agreed Friday to send Schroder to Charlotte, a move that will save them nearly $7 million in salary for the 2026-27 season.
However, the organization is still seeking even greater financial flexibility as it works on several significant moves.
Cavaliers actively shopping Max Strus
Strus has now emerged as Cleveland’s next potential salary-clearing move.
The 30-year-old wing’s expiring $16.7 million contract could provide the Cavs with significantly more flexibility if they find a team willing to take him.
Strus appeared in just 12 regular-season games last season, averaging 11.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 40.2% from three, and holds career averages of 10.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 321 games.
Cleveland’s motivation is tied to its pursuit of two of the most notable forwards still available in free agency.
Stein reports that the Cavaliers continue to pursue Denver Nuggets restricted free agent Peyton Watson as well as Atlanta Hawks unrestricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga.
Watson appears to be the more prominent Cleveland target. As The Stein Line previously reported on July 27, Denver’s contract offers to Watson have been in the range of $70 million over four seasons.
Credit AP – Scanpix
James Harden deal expected ‘soon-ish’
The Cavaliers must also account for James Harden’s upcoming contract.
Harden remains unsigned, but Cleveland has maintained communication with him and his representatives about a new multiyear agreement.
One source familiar with the negotiations told Stein that Harden’s deal with the Cavaliers should be completed “soon-ish.”
That indicates the delay surrounding Harden is not necessarily about uncertainty over his future. Instead, Cleveland appears to be attempting to complete other roster and financial moves before locking in the veteran guard’s new contract.
The Schroder trade was the first significant step in that process.
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