Cavaliers Veteran Max Strus Nears Return After Months-Long Injury Absence

The 29-year-old forward is ramping up his recovery and could make his season debut within the next week.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Cleveland Cavaliers veteran wing Max Strus is closing in on a return to the court after spending months recovering from offseason surgery to repair a fracture in his left foot. Strus has yet to appear during the 2025-26 NBA season, but recent developments, including his participation in G League practices, suggest his return could happen within the next week as the Cavaliers prepare for the stretch run.

Why it matters

Strus has been a critical part of the Cavaliers' rotation when healthy, providing perimeter shooting, defensive versatility, and secondary playmaking. His return will be a significant boost for Cleveland as they look to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

The details

According to The Athletic's Joe Vardon, Strus is 'fighting his way back' from the surgery and is 'nearing a return that could happen within the next week.' Strus recently participated in a G League practice with the Cleveland Charge, which was an important milestone in his recovery process. Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson confirmed that Strus is 'ramping up' and needs one more visit with the team's medical staff to receive final clearance to play.

  • Strus underwent surgery during the offseason to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot.
  • Strus recently participated in a G League practice with the Cleveland Charge on Monday.
  • The Cavaliers travel to face the Orlando Magic on March 11 and the Dallas Mavericks on March 13 before hosting Dallas again on March 15, which could present a logical opportunity for Strus to return once he receives full clearance.

The players

Max Strus

A 29-year-old veteran forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers who has been sidelined for the 2025-26 NBA season due to offseason surgery to repair a fracture in his left foot.

Donovan Mitchell

The star player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who has praised Strus' leadership and involvement with the team during his injury absence.

Kenny Atkinson

The head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who has provided updates on Strus' recovery progress and return timeline.

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What they’re saying

“Basically, the energy piece, right? And you know, we all know who he is. He's been phenomenal in practice. I know you guys haven't seen him much, but he's been looking good.”

— Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers Star (The Athletic)

“He's ramping up. I do believe he's got one more visit with the doctor — I'm not sure when that is, I know it's coming up — to kind of confirm we're doing alright.”

— Kenny Atkinson, Cavaliers Head Coach (Locked on Cavs)

“It makes you feel optimistic, right? You're starting to get whole. Adding Max is like adding another excellent free agent, if you look at it that way. So really trending positive.”

— Kenny Atkinson, Cavaliers Head Coach (Locked on Cavs)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Strus' return will be a significant boost for the Cavaliers as they look to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. His leadership and two-way contributions have been missed, and his eventual return could provide the team with a much-needed lift heading into the final stretch of the season.