Cavs Rumors: Dean Wade, Max Strus, Dennis Schroder, Keon Ellis

The Cavaliers continue working toward what they hope will be a busy start to free agency, with Dean Wade perhaps being the biggest question mark.

League sources told HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto that the Cavaliers, Sixers, Lakers, Spurs, Suns, Pistons and Trail Blazers all have interest in Wade, considered one of the league’s more versatile defensive forwards.

The Stein Line’s Marc Stein and Jake Fischer have also reported that Wade is expected to command a “sizable portion” of the non-taxpayer midlevel exception if he reaches the open market Tuesday.

Philadelphia could be a particularly intriguing destination. New Sixers president Mike Gansey was the Cavs’ assistant general manager when they signed Wade as an undrafted free agent in 2019.

Wade has spent all seven of his NBA seasons with Cleveland, establishing himself as a valuable defender capable of guarding multiple positions while knocking down 36.7 percent of his career three-point attempts.

Of course, he seems to shoot less with every passing season.

Strus a trade candidate?

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst added that the Cavs may have to make a difficult financial decision if it hopes to keep Wade.

“I would keep an eye on Max Strus,” Windhorst said on ESPN Cleveland. “Dean Wade is going to be expensive, I think more expensive than the Cavs were hoping.”

Windhorst suggested trading Strus could help the Cavs get below the second tax apron while creating enough flexibility to retain Wade.

He also noted that the Cavs just happen to have a younger wing in Jaylon Tyson waiting for a larger role, while Wade’s ability to play all three frontcourt positions may be much harder to replace.

Windhorst added that the Cavs would likely prefer to move Dennis Schroder’s contract to ease their financial situation, though he questioned how realistic that may be.

Let’s just say teams aren’t exactly lining up.

Ellis update

Along with all that, the Cavs’ plans for Keon Ellis may ultimately depend on what happens with Wade.

According to Stein and Fischer, Ellis is considered unlikely to re-sign with Cleveland if the Cavs are able to retain Wade before or shortly after free agency opens.

If Wade departs, however, Ellis could become a much bigger priority.

Stein and Fischer also report the Nets are expected to have interest in Ellis. Brooklyn coach Jordi Fernandez previously worked with Ellis in Sacramento, giving the two an established relationship.

Cavs linked to Landale

Finally, the Cavs are among several teams with reported interest in veteran center Jock Landale, according to Scotto.

The Hawks are still attempting to re-sign Landale before free agency begins, but if he reaches the market, Scotto reports the Cavs, Bulls, Clippers, Lakers and Sixers are all expected to pursue him.

For the record, Landale is expected to receive offers exceeding the biannual exception, sources say.

I’ve also heard a couple of targets and rumblings linked to the Cavs, and will post those in the hours leading up to free agency.

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