RADIO
Peyton Watson Lands in Cleveland
The Cleveland Cavaliers are acquiring forward Peyton Watson from the Denver Nuggets in a multi-team sign-and-trade, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Watson is set to land in Cleveland on a four-year, $88 million deal, while Max Strus heads to the Clippers and Cam Whitmore comes to the Cavaliers from Washington. The 23-year-old broke out last season, averaging 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 0.9 steals in 29.6 minutes while shooting 41.1 percent from deep. His fantasy stock rises with a cleaner role, but Whitmore and Jaylon Tyson keep the wing competition relevant. Watson's defensive stats and improved shooting give him standalone appeal if the minutes hold.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Max Strus Emerges as Cavaliers Trade Piece
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Max Strus has surfaced as a salary-matching piece in the team's pursuit of Denver restricted free agent Peyton Watson, with Evan Sidery reporting that Cleveland is looking for a team willing to take on Strus' $16.7 million expiring contract. The 30-year-old missed the first 67 games last season after left foot surgery, then averaged 11.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists across 12 games while shooting 40.2 percent from deep. Strus still has value as a floor-spacer, but his fantasy outlook depends heavily on landing spot. If he is moved, Jaylon Tyson could get a cleaner path to wing minutes, while Sam Merrill would remain a bench shooting option.
Source: Evan Sidery
Source: Evan Sidery
Mario Hezonja Returns to NBA With Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers and forward Mario Hezonja have agreed to a one-year, $2.8 million deal, per Shams Charania of ESPN. A former No. 5 overall pick who last played in the NBA in 2019-20, Hezonja rebuilt his stock overseas, earning 2025-26 Liga ACB MVP honors while averaging 17.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.0 steals while shooting 36.6 percent from three. He gives Cleveland a scoring, floor-spacing wing off the bench after the team missed out on LeBron James. Still, his production won't fully translate behind Cleveland's higher-usage guards, leaving him a deep-league flier whose value hinges on carving out rotation minutes.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Cavaliers Showing Interest in Jonathan Kuminga
The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly showing interest in free-agent forward Jonathan Kuminga. After missing out on the LeBron James sweepstakes, the Cavs now turn their attention towards Kuminga. The two sides reportedly have mutual interest, according to the New York Times. The speculation was that Kuminga is looking for a deal around $20 million per season. That's probably not something the Cavaliers can swing, but we'll see if the two can agree on some type of deal. This might not be the best fit for Kuminga's fantasy value, but he could be a solid contributor in Cleveland.
Source: New York Times
Source: New York Times
Cavaliers Could Move Max Strus to Clear Room for LeBron James
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Max Strus has been discussed in ongoing trade conversations, according to Jake Fischer, as the Cavaliers look for ways to create space for LeBron James and improve their chances of retaining Dean Wade. Strus averaged 11.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists last season, but he was limited to 12 regular-season games before rejoining the rotation in the playoffs. His $16.7 million expiring salary makes him a logical trade chip, though a move away from Cleveland could cut either way for fantasy. Strus needs steady minutes and high-volume perimeter work to matter, so landing spot would be everything.
Source: Jake Fischer
Source: Jake Fischer
Dean Wade Returns to Starting Unit Tuesday
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade will rejoin the starting lineup for Game 1 against the New York Knicks on Tuesday. In Sunday's Game 7 matchup with Detroit, Wade was benched in favor of Max Strus. He's now getting a new opportunity to start, though this is unlikely to impact his numbers. Wade has been limited to 4.7 points and 4.2 rebounds in 23.4 minutes per game this postseason. Strus makes a living as a three-point specialist and may get another chance in the first unit later in the series.
Source: Cleveland Cavaliers
Source: Cleveland Cavaliers
Sam Merrill Catches Fire in Game 7 Win
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Sam Merrill recorded 23 points, one rebound, two assists, and one steal in Sunday's 125-94 Game 7 win over the Detroit Pistons. He shot 7-for-10 from the field, 5-for-8 from deep, and 4-for-4 at the line in 25 minutes while scoring 15 points before halftime. Merrill had totaled 29 points across the previous four games of the series, so this was a timely eruption. His fantasy appeal remains tied to three-point production, but nights like this show how quickly he can swing a matchup when the shooting volume spikes.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Max Strus Replaces Dean Wade in Starting Lineup Sunday
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Max Strus will start Sunday's Game 7 against the Detroit Pistons. Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson has decided to tweak his starting unit for this crucial clash, replacing Dean Wade with Strus. Wade has been very quiet throughout the series and finished scoreless in Games 4 and 5. Strus also started a pair of games during the first-round series against Toronto. He's averaging 10.2 points and 5.3 rebounds with 38.2% three-point efficiency in the playoffs. A starting role makes Strus a more attractive DFS option on Sunday.
Source: Cleveland Cavaliers
Source: Cleveland Cavaliers
Max Strus Notches 20 Points With Six Triples
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Max Strus sparked into life with a 20-point effort in Wednesday's 117-113 overtime victory against the Detroit Pistons, finishing 6-for-8 from outside. Strus didn't have a single two-point attempt, adding two points to his tally at the free-throw line. He was Cleveland's third-highest scorer and among the best rebounders. Strus grabbed eight boards and made his presence felt on the defensive end with one steal and one block. Across the previous three games, Strus had managed only 15 points. His offensive production is a bonus for the Cavaliers, who will look to wrap up the second-round series at home on Friday night.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
