Strus agrees to $63M deal and heads to Cleveland after helping Miami make finals, AP sources say

According to sources familiar with the negotiations, Max Strus, who played a significant role in Miami’s journey to the NBA Finals, has agreed to a four-year deal worth $63 million. The deal was finalized on Saturday as part of a three-team trade, with Strus joining the Cleveland Cavaliers. In exchange, the Cavaliers will send Cedi Osman and Lamar Stevens to San Antonio, while Miami will receive future second-round draft compensation. The trade terms have not yet been approved by the NBA and the information was provided on the condition of anonymity.

Strus, who started for Miami during their playoff runs in the past two years, including their recent trip to the finals against Denver, had an impressive season, averaging a career-best 11.5 points per game. Throughout his career, he has maintained a 37% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have evidently placed a strong emphasis on improving their shooting abilities, as they recently secured deals with Caris LeVert ($32 million, two years) and Georges Niang ($26 million, three years). Niang, known for his 40% career three-point shooting, and LeVert, who achieved a career-high 39% shooting from beyond the arc last season, will bolster the Cavaliers’ offensive firepower.

While most deals cannot be finalized until July 6, Strus has become one of the notable names to switch teams in the early stages of free agency. Fred VanVleet ($130 million, three years) left Toronto for Houston, and Bruce Brown Jr. ($45 million, two years) departed NBA champions Denver for Indiana.

However, several prominent players have chosen to remain with their respective teams. Jerami Grant ($160 million, five years) stays in Portland, Kyrie Irving ($126 million, three years) remains in Dallas, Cam Johnson ($108 million, four years) continues in Brooklyn, Khris Middleton ($102 million, three years) remains in Milwaukee, Kyle Kuzma ($102 million, four years) stays in Washington, and Draymond Green ($100 million, four years) remains with Golden State.

Desmond Bane in Memphis and Tyrese Haliburton in Indiana secured substantial contracts estimated to be worth $207 million each over five years. Haliburton also has the potential to earn up to $260 million if he makes an All-NBA team.

For more NBA news, visit the official AP NBA website at https://bigbignews.net/NBA or follow AP Sports on Twitter at https://twitter.com/AP_Sports.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NBA trade

More about NBA trade

• NBA Trade Rumors: Link
• AP Sports on Twitter: Link