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5 players the Cleveland Cavaliers may have interest in during free agency

By Chad Porto

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the second quarter at Staples Center on October 29, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the second quarter at Staples Center on October 29, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Nov 20, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Miami Heat guard Max Strus (31) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (3) during the first half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Miami Heat guard Max Strus (31) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (3) during the first half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Max Strus

From here on out, it’s all about potential starters at the small forward spot. The most obvious name and the name that fits best from an offensive point of view, is Max Strus of the Miami Heat. Strus is arguably the best offensive fit for the Cavs in free agency, and could really improve the team’s outside scoring.

Last year he had shooting splits of .410/.350/.876. Not great, but he can still get the job done. He had a better shooting year the season prior, shooting .441/.410/.792, but he scored less. In 2022-2023, he scored 11.5 points, three rebounds, and two assists. So while he wasn’t a super dynamic shooter from three, as the Heat had hoped he’d be, he was still an impactful scorer.

There’s no doubt he had a down year, however.

He isn’t a strong defender either, as he lacks the aggression you want to see from guys. Still, he does hustle, move his feet well and get in front of opposing offensive players, he’s just not exactly a strong defensive force.

Though he would be going to a better defensive unit, so maybe the guards around him could help elevate his defense.

Strus is someone the Cavs can afford, and who, at least offensively, fits with what the team wants to do. So of all the guys Strus makes the most sense.

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