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The Los Angeles Clippers are adding a new face to a roster still stuck in NBA limbo — and Charles Barkley will presumably approve of the aesthetics.
The Clippers acquired veteran small forward Max Strus from the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday as part of a sprawling three-team trade centered around restricted free agent Peyton Watson, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
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Watson will head from the Denver Nuggets to Cleveland and sign a four-year, $88 million contract that includes a player option and trade kicker. Denver receives an unprotected 2031 Cavaliers first-round pick and a 2032 Sacramento Kings second-rounder in the deal.
The Clippers, meanwhile, are sending a 2027 second-round pick previously acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers to Cleveland and absorbing Strus’ $16.6 million salary for the upcoming season through a trade exception. Cleveland will subsequently send Tre Mann and that 2027 second-rounder to the Washington Wizards.
Cleveland Cavaliers’ Max Strus plays in Game 3 of a second-round NBA playoffs basketball series on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Cleveland. AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki
For Los Angeles, Strus brings proven shooting, postseason experience and, apparently, the Charles Barkley seal of approval.
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During the NBA Playoffs, Barkley memorably called Strus “a pretty man” on “Inside the NBA,” joking that he couldn’t look the Cavaliers wing directly in the eye because he was too attractive.
Now Strus is bringing those movie-star looks to Hollywood.
Strus gives the Clippers an established perimeter threat capable of stretching defenses and playing off the ball. Strus shot 40.2% from 3-point range during the regular season averaging over 11 points per game. More importantly, Los Angeles was willing to take on a salary Denver wanted no part of as the Nuggets navigated Watson’s restricted free agency.
Watson emerged as one of the most coveted players remaining on the market after a breakout 2025-26 season. The 23-year-old posted career highs in points, rebounds, assists and steals while shooting 41% from 3-point range. He also erupted for four 30-point games after failing to record…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/clippers-pick-sharpshooter-max-strus-002939138.html
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Publish date : 2026-08-20 00:29:00
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