Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland (10) reacts after scoring three point basket against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Intuit Dome.
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Now that Max Strus is a member of the Los Angeles Clippers, it appears that Darius Garland is hyped about the acquisition. The Clippers point guard took to his IG story to share a picture of Max Strus in a Clippers jersey following the news of the blockbuster trade that sent Peyton Watson to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The trade reunites Strus with Garland, as they were teammates for two and a half seasons after Strus left the Miami Heat in the 2022-2023 season. Garland was traded to the Clippers on February 3rd, prior to the NBA trade deadline, in a blockbuster deal that sent James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Darius Garland took to IG after Max Strus was traded to the Clippers 🔥
Reunited in LA!
(via @dariusgarland /IG) pic.twitter.com/YPkIoaCSby
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 20, 2026
Strus had a solid season for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2025-2026 season. Although only suited up for 12 games during the regular season after fighting injury, he was a productive member of the team, finishing with 11.2 points per game, 5.4 rebounds per game, and 2 assists per game while shooting 40.2% from three. He rounded into form in the postseason, becoming a valuable rotation player for the Cleveland Cavaliers during their Eastern Conference Finals run.
Strus averaged 9.6 points, 2.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game while shooting 35.8% during the playoff run. He had several standout games for the Cavaliers, including a 24-point outing in Game 2 of Cleveland's first-round matchup against the Toronto Raptors. in Game 6 versus the Detroit Pistons, he scored 20 points and grabbed 8 rebounds while shooting 6 for 8 from the 3-point line to help his team earn the 117-113 victory.
Now Strus reunites with Garland in Los Angeles as the Clippers look to return to their status as a perennial playoff contender.