The defending Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat are highly unlikely to be able to retain key role player Max Strus during NBA free agency.
Various reports suggest that the wing could earn a deal that will pay him $16 million annually. Given Miami’s NBA salary cap and luxury tax situations, paying that out doesn’t seem to make much sense. It has led to Strus, 27, being linked to the Indiana Pacers.
However, Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald have another report that’s worth monitoring. Miami is currently in three-team trade talks with the Cleveland Cavaliers and another unnamed organization that would send Strus to Ohio.
The report indicates that Miami would be looking for a trade exception. It would be a way for front office head Pat Riley and Co. to acquire an important asset for the impending free agent.
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Max Strus stats (2022-23): 11.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 41% shooting, 35% 3-point
While Strus’ numbers might not look great, he played a vital role in the Miami Heat earning a shocking trip to the NBA Finals. The former undrafted free agency from DePaul averaged 9.3 points while starting all 23 postseason games.
If Miami deems Strus as too expensive to retain, acquiring a traded player exception worth roughly $16 million could go a long way in helping build out a solid rotation. Remember, the Heat have also been linked to big-name players such as James Harden and Damian Lillard in NBA trade rumors over the past few weeks. A trade exception would only enhance the possibility of pulling off a blockbuster of that ilk.
As for the Cleveland Cavaliers, they are coming off a first-round exit at the hands of the New York Knicks in the NBA Playoffs. They need to find a better supporting cast behind stars Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley moving forward. Strus would provide that.