The Clippers just can’t stop making moves, with news breaking just now that they are acquiring guard/forward Max Strus from the Cavs as part of a multi-team deal that is also sending Peyton Watson to the Cavs. The Clippers are rerouting the second round pick they got in the Johni Broome trade to the Cavs, as well as sending over the rights to Ismael Kamagate. The Clippers do not need to send out any salary in this deal, as Strus’ 16.6M salary fits right into the John Collins TPE.
This is a nifty trade by the Clippers, who are giving up little of substance in a fringe stash prospect (I liked Kamagate in the draft, but he’s now 25 and still in Europe) and a middling 2nd round pick for a 30-year old veteran who has been a key player on good playoff teams most of his career. Strus has been in the NBA for seven seasons, spending most of that time on the Heat and then the Cavs. For his career, he’s averaged 10.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 37% from three on 6.3 attempts per game. While a bit undersized as a small forward, Strus has mostly been a fine defender (he slipped a bit last year) that is very useful on the offensive end due to his excellent three-point shooting. Strus is on an expiring deal, so the Clippers can flip him again at the deadline if he’s having a good season. The biggest issue with Strus is his injury history (he played 12 games last year and has played over 70 just once), but that matters less on a one-year deal.
In a vacuum, therefore, this is a real plus-value trade for the Clippers, who will almost assuredly be able to get more for Strus at the deadline then they just gave up for him, and also get however many games of him that they want to help shore up their wing rotation. I’ve always liked Strus – he competes, plays with a lot of energy, and seems like a great locker room guy. There’s also the possibility the Clippers really like having him, and bring him back next summer rather than flip him.
The Clippers’ roster, however, is currently a mess, with 16 players under contract for next season without counting the Kawhi for BI and Gradey Dick swap (17) or Bennedict Mathurin, and a ton of those players operating as 2s or 3s. Again, just like with Beal, the Strus signing would further cement Cam Christie as being waived and Mathurin as likely not re-signed, but even with those moves, they’d have to clear a roster spot if the Kawhi trade happens. Thus, another move of some kind is coming, even if it’s just eventually rerouting Dick elsewhere or dumping Isaiah Jackson.
The Clippers’ roster just improved in actual talent today, but the imbalance is an issue, and I’d expect another move to happen in the coming weeks before training camp. For now, welcome to the Clippers, Max Strus.
