Cavaliers predicted to trade Max Strus for $46M ex-Warriors champion in blockbuster 4-team deal

The Cleveland Cavaliers have turned their attention toward young Denver Nuggets star Peyton Watson for the upcoming season. However, striking a deal with Denver will not be easy, as the Nuggets have limited salary-cap flexibility and do not want to part ways with Watson.

Cleveland is looking to add a starting wing, making the position one of the biggest needs on its roster. However, Watson has now been mentioned as a player who could accept his qualifying offer.

“The top restricted free agents — Jalen Duren, Peyton Watson and Bennedict Mathurin — are now all considering taking their qualifying offers to become unrestricted in 2027. As negotiations stall out across the board, these three could become trendsetters against the RFA process,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery posted.

If that happens, landing Watson may no longer be an option for Cleveland. That could force the Cavaliers to pivot back toward Jonathan Kuminga, whom the organization has already met with this summer.

“The Cavaliers will meet with Jonathan Kuminga about working towards finalizing a potential sign-and-trade agreement soon, per Chris Fedor. Cleveland is a main finalist for Kuminga’s services alongside the Lakers. Kuminga continues to seek a deal exceeding $20 million annually,” Sidery wrote.

A sign-and-trade would be the only realistic way for Cleveland to land Kuminga. NBA writer Jake Weinbach has proposed a blockbuster four-team trade that would send Kuminga to the Cavaliers.

“Cavaliers Jonathan Kuminga (via S&T) Royce O’Neale • Hornets Dennis Schroder 2033 second-round pick (via CLE) • Clippers Max Strus (via TPE) 2032 second-round pick (via SAC from CLE) • Hawks Cash + TPE (via Kuminga S&T to CLE),” Weinbach wrote.

Kuminga and O’Neale would be two strong additions for Cleveland, giving the Cavaliers more depth and versatility on the wing. Strus and Schroder would have to be moved as part of the deal, but doing so could allow the organization to make a significant upgrade.

Kuminga was on a $46 million contract last season with the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks. This trade would benefit all four teams involved, but most importantly, Cleveland would land two players who could significantly improve its roster.

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