Max Strus‘ career in Miami is officially over. The Miami Heat free agent has agreed to a sign-and-trade deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Strus could have been re-signed by Miami by utilizing his Bird rights, but the hard financial realities of the new CBA forced Miami to make a difficult decision. The Heat are trying to avoid the punitive second tax apron as much as possible. Miami is $3 million away from the second apron, which is set at 182.9 million. And they currently are at $179 million with five roster spots. Miami is also limited to offer minimum salaries to free agents.
Deal Details
The sign-and-trade deal involved the San Antonio Spurs. The deal includes Lamar Stevens and Cedi Osman going to the Spurs. And Miami receives a trade exception and future second rounder back in the deal. Strus will receive 4-year $63 million deal from Cleveland as a result of the trade. With Gabe Vincent and Strus gone, Miami will now focus on the trade market and potential vet minimum options to replace. Of course, Miami remains hopeful of a Damian Lillard trade. As of Friday night, there’s been no trade request from the Portland star. So, Miami will continue to monitor that.
Strus was a key contributor for the Heat throughout their run to the 2023 NBA Finals, especially with starting guard Tyler Herro missing virtually the entire postseason due to a fractured right hand sustained in Game 1 of the Heat’s first-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks. The sharpshooter shot well in the beginning of the playoffs, before struggling significantly in the NBA Finals. After shooting 35 percent from downtown in the regular season, those averages dropped to 31 percent in the playoffs.
The 27-year-old posted career-highs in points (11.0), rebounds (3.2) and assists (2.1) in the regular season.
