NBA Free Agency: 5 remaining players the Cavaliers should target

The Cleveland Cavaliers were supposed to be one of the stars of Free Agency’s opening night. All day long bits and pieces leaked out about the busy night awaiting the Cavs. Then things kicked off with a flurry, and the Cavaliers rolled out both of their opening acts: re-signing Caris LeVert and adding Georges Niang.

The main event, however, never happened. A rumored sign-and-trade to add Max Strus is in limbo, and in the meantime, many of the top wings have rolled off the board. When you add in the fact that the Cavs used part of the Mid-Level Exception to sign Niang, the rest of their offseason could hinge on Cleveland’s next move.

Who is still available for Cleveland to pursue? Let’s look at five free agents that the Cavs could target after a furious first day of free agency.

Free Agent No. 1: Max Strus, Miami Heat

The narrative for Max Strus writes itself. A 6’5″ wing with the strength and length to defend up the lineup, Strus started 41 playoff games over the past two seasons. He is fearless taking shots on the biggest stage, and teams absolutely defend him out on the 3-point line despite not hitting a scorching percentage.

It’s that last point that casts into question whether he is worth a long-term deal in the range of $16 million. Strus has hit 37.1 percent of his 3-pointers in his career; good, but not great. He’s riding the wave of his playoff success, but he hit just 32.5 percent of his 3-pointers the past two years in the playoffs.

Strus is a good defender and a good shooter, and other than perhaps Dean Wade, the Cavaliers don’t have a player that checks both boxes. It’s a good type of player to target, and the experience Strus has gained in the postseason would help this team too.