Cavs exploring Max Strus, Lonzo Ball trades with deadline clock ticking

Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman is a man who isn’t afraid to deal, and he may not be done.

This is true even after the Cavs traded De’Andre Hunter to the Kings for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis on Sunday. Per Brett Siegel of Clutch Points, Cleveland is aggressively pursuing trades centered on Max Strus and Lonzo Ball.

The Hunter deal trimmed the Cavs’ payroll but did not solve everything. The Cavs are still sitting $13.9 million above the second apron, and league sources believe Altman’s preference is to move out of that territory entirely before the offseason.

Without a doubt, doing so would restore flexibility and open up more roster options in the summer.

Ball remains a key piece in that effort. He is earning $10 million this season and carries a $10 million team option for next year, which effectively makes his contract an expiring.

On the court, Ball has struggled to find a rhythm, averaging 4.6 points and 3.9 assists in 21 minutes a game. Moving his deal would help the Cavs’ cap picture, though it could require attaching draft compensation.

Strus is a different case. He is still working his way back from offseason foot surgery and has yet to play this season.

With Ellis and Schroder now in the fold, Strus has become more expendable, both financially and positionally. He is owed roughly $16 million this season and $16.7 million next year.

If a deal does not materialize before Thursday, Strus is expected to remain very much in play once the offseason arrives.

Either way, it’s clear that Altman and the Cavs are not done trying to deal. For the record, the deadline is Thursday at 3 p.m. EST.