The Cleveland Cavaliers received a major setback ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season. Guard Max Strus will miss three to four months after undergoing surgery on his left foot, the team announced Tuesday. The injury sidelines the 29-year-old sharpshooter for a significant portion of the upcoming campaign.
What Happened to Max Strus?
Strus suffered a Jones fracture, a break in the bone that connects the pinkie toe to the base of the foot. The injury occurred during a recent workout, requiring surgery at Forte Sports Medicine and Orthopedics in Indianapolis.
A recovery timeline of 3–4 months means Strus could miss the season’s opening stretch and potentially more depending on how his rehab progresses.
Injury History and Recent Struggles
This isn’t the first time Strus has dealt with early-season setbacks. Last year, he missed nearly two months after a preseason right ankle sprain, delaying his debut until late December.
Despite the missed time, Strus still made an impact for Cleveland:
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50 games played in the regular season
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Averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists
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Shot an efficient 38.6% from three, converting 2.3 triples per game
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Stepped up in the playoffs, averaging 11.7 points across nine games, including two 20+ point performances against Indiana in the East semifinals
Career Journey and Cavaliers Role
Max Strus’ NBA journey has been defined by perseverance. After one season in Chicago and three productive years in Miami, he signed a four-year, $63 million sign-and-trade deal to join the Cavaliers.
In his first season with Cleveland, he averaged a career-high 12.2 points per game, proving himself as one of the team’s most reliable perimeter threats.
Across 309 career games (156 starts), Strus has averaged:
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10.4 points per game
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Nearly 39% from three-point range
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A reputation as a floor-spacer and clutch shooter
How This Impacts the Cavaliers
The timing of the injury is tough for the Cavs, who rely on Strus’ three-point shooting to stretch the floor for stars like Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. His absence could force Cleveland to:
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Rely more heavily on Caris LeVert and Isaac Okoro on the wing
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Experiment with small-ball lineups featuring shooters off the bench
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Seek temporary depth through free agency or G League call-ups
If Strus returns healthy mid-season, his shooting and spacing will be crucial to Cleveland’s playoff push.
What Is a Jones Fracture?
For fans unfamiliar with the injury, a Jones fracture is a break in the fifth metatarsal, located on the outside of the foot. It is notoriously difficult to heal due to limited blood flow in that area, which explains the lengthy recovery timeline.
Many NBA players, including Kevin Durant earlier in his career, have dealt with Jones fractures and successfully returned to elite form.
FAQs About Max Strus’ Injury
When did Max Strus get injured?
He suffered the foot injury during a recent workout prior to the 2025-26 season.
What kind of injury does Max Strus have?
A Jones fracture, which is a break in the fifth metatarsal of the foot.
How long will Max Strus be out?
He is expected to miss 3–4 months, which will keep him sidelined for part of the regular season.
Will Max Strus return this season?
If recovery goes as planned, he could return during the mid-season stretch, giving the Cavaliers a much-needed boost.
Conclusion
The Max Strus foot surgery news is a blow for the Cavaliers as they prepare for the 2025-26 season. Known for his perimeter shooting and playoff contributions, Strus’ absence will test Cleveland’s depth and resilience early on.
Still, if his rehab stays on track, the Cavs could regain one of their most important floor-spacers in time for the stretch run. Fans will be watching closely as updates on his recovery unfold.
