Max Strus, Cavaliers
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Max Strus of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts after making a three-point shot during the fourth quarter of the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 11, 2025 in New York City.
The Cleveland Cavaliers may finally be approaching the long-awaited return of veteran wing Max Strus.
According to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon, Strus is closing in on a comeback after spending months recovering from offseason surgery to repair a fracture in his left foot.
“He is still fighting his way back from offseason surgery to repair a fracture in his left foot, and after months of waiting, he is nearing a return that could happen within the next week,” Vardon reported Tuesday.
Strus has yet to appear during the 2025–26 NBA season, but recent developments — including his participation in G League practices — suggest his return could arrive soon as Cleveland prepares for the stretch run.
Donovan Mitchell Praises Max Strus’ Leadership During Injury Absence
Even while sidelined, Strus has remained deeply involved with the team.
During the Cavaliers’ 109–98 loss to the Boston Celtics on Sunday, the veteran forward was active on the bench, communicating with teammates and offering strategic insights — a presence Cleveland star Donovan Mitchell described as invaluable.
“Basically, the energy piece, right? And you know, we all know who he is,” Mitchell said. “He’s been phenomenal in practice. I know you guys haven’t seen him much, but he’s been looking good.
“I don’t know what his timeline is, but just for him to be out there kind of talking to me, talking to James, talking to Dean, talking to Ev, talking to Danny, Keon — like whoever. That’s another high-IQ player kind of giving you what he sees out there.
“We’ve also played these guys before. I think Max was here when we played them in the playoffs. So he remembers certain things like, ‘Hey, don’t overreact to this.’
“That’s what he brings, and we’re excited for whenever he comes back.”
Mitchell’s comments highlight Strus’ ongoing leadership role while he works toward his season debut.
Cavaliers Recall Max Strus After G League Practice
Strus recently took another significant step in his recovery process.
The Cavaliers recalled the 29-year-old forward from the G League’s Cleveland Charge after he practiced with the affiliate Monday. The session marked an important milestone as Strus ramps up toward full game action.
Practicing with the Charge allowed Strus to simulate live-game conditions and test his conditioning after months of rehab.
While the Cavaliers have not announced an official return date, Strus may need another session or two before Cleveland’s medical staff gives him the final clearance to play.
Whenever he is formally cleared, the veteran wing is expected to operate under a noticeable minutes restriction as the team carefully manages his workload following surgery.
Cavaliers Await Final Medical Clearance
Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson confirmed before Sunday’s matchup with Boston that Strus is nearing the final stage of his recovery but still needs one more visit with team doctors.
“He’s ramping up,” Atkinson said, via Locked on Cavs host Danny Cunningham. “I do believe he’s got one more visit with the doctor — I’m not sure when that is, I know it’s coming up — to kind of confirm we’re doing alright.”
The Cavaliers ruled Strus out against the Celtics as a precaution while he continues building strength and conditioning.
According to Cavaliers sideline reporter Serena Winters, Strus recently participated in roughly 90 percent of a team practice — another encouraging sign that his return is nearing.
“It makes you feel optimistic, right? You’re starting to get whole,” Atkinson said earlier in the week. “Adding Max is like adding another excellent free agent, if you look at it that way. So really trending positive.”
Max Strus Recovery Progressing After Jones Fracture Surgery
Strus underwent surgery during the offseason to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot, an injury that typically requires an extended recovery timeline.
Cleveland’s upcoming schedule could ultimately determine when Strus makes his season debut.
The Cavaliers travel to face the Orlando Magic on March 11 and the Dallas Mavericks on March 13 before hosting Dallas again on March 15 — their only home game during a span of more than two weeks.
That home matchup could present a logical opportunity for Strus to return once he receives full clearance.
Max Strus Remains Key Piece of Cavaliers’ Rotation
When healthy, Strus has been a critical part of Cleveland’s rotation.
The 29-year-old has served as the Cavaliers’ starting small forward for much of the past two seasons, providing perimeter shooting, defensive versatility and secondary playmaking.
During the 2024–25 regular season, Strus averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 25.5 minutes per game while shooting 44.2 percent from the field and 38.6 percent from three-point range.
He elevated his performance during the postseason as well, averaging 11.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists across nine playoff games.
Strus is currently in the third season of a four-year, $63 million contract and is earning roughly $15 million this season.