The Los Angeles Clippers went through a major roster facelift this summer after trading away their former franchise player, Kawhi Leonard, and bringing in some new faces to their squad. One of those newcomers is veteran sharpshooter Max Strus, who came over from the Cavaliers in the multi-team trade largely centered on Peyton Watson heading to Cleveland.
Strus brings with him some quality volume three-point shooting and dependable perimeter defense, which are traits the Clippers brass will definitely savor next to their athletic cogs. His skill set will certainly come in handy as L.A. surprisingly ventures into a win-now cause despite the West having an even tougher race next season.
Max Strus addition gives the Clippers options for future moves
But having said that, the 30-year-old’s biggest contribution to his new ball club may not even come on the court, but outside of it, as a prime trade candidate.
The seven-year veteran is on an expiring contract in the upcoming season, and his $16.6 million salary makes him ripe as a prime asset for the Clippers if they want to aggregate him in a major trade before the deadline. As such, L.A.’s brass should have little problems extracting assets out of Strus, who should be an appealing rental for teams in need of battle-tested shooting in the playoffs.
This past season, Strus was plagued by injuries left and right, which limited him to just 12 appearances for the Cavs in the regular season. Fortunately, he was able to come back fully for the playoffs, where he reprised his key role as Cleveland’s resident three-and-D guy.
The Clippers may intend to actively hunt for wins to start the season, but realistically speaking, their chances of getting into the playoffs out West are slim. As such, a fire sale could be impending, and Strus will almost instantly become a trade candidate who will sell like hotcakes on the rumor mill.
Once that happens, their front office should rest easy knowing that they can easily acquire assets in return for Strus. Thus, their decision to take part in the Watson multi-team deal is already aging like fine wine for the franchise.