Cavs’ Max Strus out vs. Magic, but closing in on return

The Cavaliers should be getting some help soon.

According to Joe Vardon of The Athletic, guard Max Strus is nearing a return and could be back within the next week as he continues working his way back from foot surgery.

Strus underwent offseason surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot and has not played this season. The veteran wing appeared in 50 games for Cleveland last year, averaging 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists while shooting 38.6 percent from three.

When healthy, Strus provides spacing and another playmaker on the perimeter, something the Cavs have missed at times this season. He also is a willing and capable defender of multiple positions.

“We all know who he is to us,” Cavs guard Donovan Mitchell said recently. “Just for him to be out there (in huddles) kind of talking to me, talking to James (Harden), talking to Dean (Wade), talking to (Evan Mobley), talking to Dennis (Schroder), Keon (Ellis) like whoever, that’s another high-IQ player kind of giving you what he sees out there.”

Strus remains out for Wednesday’s road game against the Magic. Center Jarrett Allen is also listed out with a knee injury, marking the third straight game he will miss.