League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Trades

Max Strus traded to Clippers in three-team deal with Cavaliers

3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 12:19 AM

Last updated Aug 20, 2026

Max Strus traded to Clippers in three-team deal with Cavaliers

Summary

Max Strus has been traded to the Los Angeles Clippers as part of a three-team deal involving the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Denver Nuggets. In the trade, Peyton Watson moves to Cleveland, while the Nuggets receive an unprotected 2031 first-round pick from the Cavaliers and a 2032 second-round pick from the Kings. Watson will sign a four-year, $88 million contract with Cleveland, which includes a player option and trade kicker. The trade is a significant move for all three teams as they continue to reshape their rosters ahead of the upcoming season.

Source Links

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Market Watch

•Max Strus traded from the Cavaliers to the Clippers.
•Peyton Watson goes to the Cavaliers in the same deal.
•The Nuggets receive draft picks from Cleveland and Sacramento.
•Watson signs a four-year, $88 million deal with the Cavaliers.
•Trade includes a player option and trade kicker for Watson.

Latest Updates

1:13 AMESPN — 3-team deal sends Watson to Cavs, Strus to Clips
12:01 AMYahoo Sports — Max Strus traded to Clippers in Peyton Watson sign-and-trade

What they're saying

"
The Cavaliers, Nuggets and Clippers have agreed on a trade that will send Peyton Watson to Cleveland and Max Strus to Los Angeles, sources told ESPN.
— ESPNby Shams Charania