Cavs still don’t have timetable for Max Strus return

Max Strus is progressing. Just not on a set clock.

The Cavaliers wing underwent surgery in late August to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot and has yet to practice, according to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. While Strus has been able to do individual on-court work, including shooting, cutting and testing the foot with movement, there remains no timetable for his season debut.

“The timeline is what it is,” Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said. “There’s no earlier or later.”

The timing is tricky. Cleveland is set to play every other day from December 29 through January 16, leaving little opportunity for full practices. A full-contact session is expected to be a key step before Strus is cleared to return, but the Cavs may not hold a true practice until January 18, the day before they host the defending champion Thunder.

Even so, the organization still views Strus as an important piece. His minutes are expected to be closely managed early, but the long-term plan, per Fedor, is for Strus to reclaim his role as Cleveland’s starting small forward, the position he held for much of the past two seasons.

Strus, 29, is earning roughly $15.9 million this season and is due $16.66 million in 2026-27 before becoming a free agent.