Max Strus, Cavaliers
Getty
Max Strus of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts after making a half-court buzzer-beater shot to defeat the Dallas Mavericks.
The Cleveland Cavaliers received encouraging news regarding veteran wing Max Strus on Tuesday.
The team announced that Strus has progressed in his recovery from offseason foot surgery and has been cleared for individual on-court workouts as part of a structured ramp-up program, marking a significant step toward a potential return later this season.
Strus has yet to play during the 2025–26 NBA season after undergoing a medical procedure to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot.
Cavaliers Injury Update: Max Strus Cleared for On-Court Workouts
In an official statement released Tuesday, the Cavaliers said recent medical imaging showed positive healing progress, allowing Strus to begin the next phase of rehabilitation.
“Cavaliers guard/forward Max Strus continues his recovery following offseason surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot,” the team announced. “Recent imaging has shown progressive healing, and in consultation with Dr. David Porter and team physician Dr. James Rosneck, Strus has progressed to individual on-court workouts as part of a structured ramp-up program.”
The team said Strus will gradually increase his workload through controlled team activities and practice sessions involving both the Cavaliers and their NBA G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge.
The 29-year-old will remain under close supervision by Cleveland’s medical and performance staff as the organization continues to evaluate his recovery.
Further updates will be provided as the rehabilitation process advances.
Cavaliers Hoping for Max Strus Return Before NBA Playoffs
Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson previously indicated the team hopes Strus could return before the postseason if his recovery continues trending positively.
“Listen, getting Max back at any time before the playoffs would be a huge bonus,” Atkinson said in February. “I mean, he missed a ton of time last year, right, with the ankle. He’s not 22, right? A guy with that experience and the way he works in the weight room, I think the goal is just to, of course, you’d love to have a little runway where he gets his rhythm, but as long as we kind of get him for the playoff run, I think that’s a win for us.”
Atkinson added that Strus’ recent on-court work had been trending in the right direction but emphasized the veteran still had more rehabilitation ahead.
“He’s got so much experience. Obviously, he had a really good playoffs last year. So, like I said the other day, looking at his on-court work, it’s trending much more positive, but still a ways to go.”
Max Strus Played Key Role in Cleveland’s 2025 Playoff Push
Strus has been a starting small forward for Cleveland over the past two seasons and played a key role in the team’s success last year.
During the 2024–25 regular season, he appeared in 50 games and averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists while shooting 44.2% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range in 25.5 minutes per game.
In the playoffs, Strus elevated his production, averaging 11.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists across nine postseason games while maintaining strong perimeter shooting.
His versatility as a floor spacer, secondary playmaker and rebounder has made him an important complementary piece around Cleveland’s core.
Strus is currently in the third season of a four-year contract worth roughly $63 million and is earning about $15 million this season.
Donovan Mitchell Also Sidelined With Groin Injury
While the Cavaliers received encouraging news on Strus, the team continues to navigate injuries elsewhere in the rotation.
Seven-time All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell will miss his fourth consecutive game Tuesday when Cleveland hosts the Detroit Pistons.
Mitchell is dealing with a right groin strain, though Atkinson has indicated he does not expect the injury to become a long-term issue.
The Cavaliers ruled Mitchell out again on their injury report. The All-NBA guard has previously dealt with groin and calf issues during past seasons.
Cavaliers Eye Deep Playoff Run After Major Trade
Despite recent injuries, Cleveland remains focused on making a deep postseason push following its blockbuster trade for James Harden last month.
Adding Harden to a roster already featuring Mitchell and Evan Mobley significantly raised expectations for the Cavaliers as contenders in the Eastern Conference.
If Strus can return later in the regular season, his shooting and playoff experience could provide a valuable boost to Cleveland’s championship hopes.
For now, Tuesday’s update represents an important step forward as the veteran wing begins working his way back toward the court.