The Cleveland Cavaliers had a brilliant year during the 2022-23 NBA regular season, with the addition of superstar guard Donovan Mitchell being a game-changer for the franchise.
Unfortunately, the team’s hopes for doing something special in the NBA playoffs with their new-look squad came crashing down with Cleveland unable to compete with the New York Knicks in the first round of the postseason.
The Knicks crushed the Cavaliers in five games, leading to speculation that moves needed to be made during the NBA offseason to help right the ship and turn this team into a legitimate title contender in the Eastern Conference.
Although the Cavaliers haven’t made any big swings this summer, the team may have made the right moves to take the next step, and on Thursday, the team announced the official signing of Max Strus, formerly of the Miami Heat, on their Twitter account.
Lots to look forward to, Cleveland.???? #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/x2Hi7YX9Ip
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) July 6, 2023
Strus made a name for himself during the playoffs as an essential role player for the Heat, as he helped Jimmy Butler and company reach the NBA Finals after making their way into the postseason through the Play-In Tournament.
The 27-year-old forward will likely slide into the starting lineup in Cleveland along with Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, which on paper looks stacked and ready to compete in the East.
Along with the addition of Strus, the Cavaliers brought in Georges Niang to improve their outside shooting off the bench, and re-signed Caris LeVert to a two-year deal.
The Cavaliers might still have a ways to go before they can truly contend with the best in the best in the East, but they’re off to a solid start.
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