Max Strus has become one of the NBA’s most reliable sharpshooters and a key player for the Cleveland Cavaliers. His journey from being undrafted to signing a multi-million-dollar contract is a story of determination, hard work, and resilience.
In 2025, Strus is not just known for his three-point shooting but also for his leadership and grit on the court. Fans admire his blue-collar work ethic, and his story continues to inspire young athletes who dream of making it to the NBA against the odds.
Max Strus’ Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Max Strus |
| Date of Birth | March 28, 1996 |
| Age | 29 |
| Education | Lewis University, DePaul University |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight | 215 lbs (98 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2019 |
| Net Worth | ~$66 million |
| Salary (2024-25) | $15,212,068 |
| Career Earnings | $33,600,021 |
| Wife/Husband | Single |
| Instagram Profile | @maxstrus |
| Twitter Profile | @MaxStrus |
Early Career
Max Strus’s early career is a story of perseverance and steady growth, shaped by his family’s deep sports roots and his own relentless drive. Born in Hickory Hills, Illinois, Max was raised in a household where basketball was more than just a pastime.
His father, John, played college basketball at Eastern Illinois University, and his mother, Debra, was a standout in both basketball and volleyball at DePaul University. Max’s siblings, Marty and Maggie, also played college sports, making competition and athletic achievement a family tradition.
At Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Palos Hills, Illinois, Strus was a two-sport athlete, playing both basketball and baseball. Early in his high school years, basketball didn’t seem like his clear path—he entered his sophomore year standing only 5’9”. However, a late growth spurt saw him reach 6’5” by his senior year, transforming his presence on the court.
As a senior, Max averaged 19 points and nine rebounds per game and was recognized as the area player of the year by The Reporter, All-Southwest Suburban Conference, and All-Area by the SouthtownStar. Despite these accolades, he received just one NCAA Division I basketball offer—from Chicago State.
Instead of taking that lone offer, Max chose to follow his brother Marty’s footsteps and committed to Lewis University, a Division II school. His impact was immediate. As a freshman, he started all 31 games, averaging 13.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, earning second-team All-Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) honors.
His sophomore season was even more impressive—he led the team with 20.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game and set school records for points in a season (666), free throws made (167), and points in a single game (52 against Northwood University). By the end of his two seasons at Lewis, he had scored 1,078 points and established himself as one of the top players in Division II basketball.
Professional Career
Max Strus’s professional career is a testament to resilience and hard work, marked by overcoming setbacks and maximizing every opportunity. After going undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft, Strus’s first NBA experience came with the Boston Celtics, who brought him onto their Summer League roster.
He impressed enough to earn a two-way contract, but the Celtics waived him before the season began. Shortly after, Strus signed a two-way deal with his hometown Chicago Bulls. His NBA debut came in the 2019-20 season, but his momentum was halted by a significant injury—a torn ACL and bone bruise on his left knee—which limited him to just two games that year and required a lengthy recovery process.
Determined to continue his NBA journey, Strus joined the Miami Heat for training camp in November 2020. The Heat saw potential in his shooting and work ethic, converting his deal into a two-way contract. Strus quickly made an impression with his ability to stretch the floor, earning a standard NBA contract.
Over three seasons with Miami, he steadily improved, averaging 10.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. His breakout came during the 2021-22 season, where he averaged 10.6 points over 68 games, becoming a reliable rotation player and earning a spot in the starting lineup for stretches of the season.
Strus’s impact was most evident during the Miami Heat’s 2022-23 playoff run. He played a key role in helping the Heat reach the NBA Finals, providing timely three-point shooting and energetic defense. Although the Heat ultimately fell to the Denver Nuggets in five games, Strus’s reputation as a big-game performer was cemented. Despite his contributions, the Heat waived him after the season, making him a free agent.
In July 2023, Strus signed a four-year, $63 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers in a sign-and-trade deal. This move marked a new chapter in his career, giving him a larger role and more responsibility.
Strus made an immediate impact with the Cavaliers, setting a franchise record for most three-pointers in a debut game—hitting seven threes and scoring 27 points with 12 rebounds in a win over the Brooklyn Nets on October 25, 20231. His ability to shoot from deep and create space for teammates quickly made him a vital part of the Cavaliers’ offense.
Max Strus’ Net Worth Details
Max Strus’ net worth is estimated to be $66 million as of 2025.
Contract
Max Strus signed a four-year, $62.3 million fully guaranteed contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of a sign-and-trade deal with the Miami Heat. The contract secures Strus through the 2026-27 NBA season and reflects his value as a starting-caliber wing in the league.
His annual salary increases each year, starting at $14.5 million in the first season and reaching $16.7 million in the final year. This long-term deal not only provides Strus with financial security but also solidifies his role as a key contributor for the Cavaliers as they continue to compete in the Eastern Conference.
Salary
For the 2024-25 NBA season, Max Strus is earning a base salary of $15,212,068 with the Cleveland Cavaliers. His salary increases each year as part of his four-year contract, reflecting his growing importance to the team.
This annual pay places him among the higher-earning role players in the league and is a testament to his consistent performance and value as a reliable starter. Strus’s salary is fully guaranteed, ensuring financial stability as he continues to make a significant impact on the court for the Cavaliers.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | Chicago Bulls | $415,414 |
| 2020-21 | Miami Heat | $647,098 |
| 2021-22 | Miami Heat | $1,669,178 |
| 2022-23 | Miami Heat | $1,815,677 |
| 2023-24 | Cleveland Cavaliers | $14,487,684 |
| 2024-25 | Cleveland Cavaliers | $15,212,068 |
| 2025-26 | Cleveland Cavaliers | $15,936,452 |
| 2026-27 | Cleveland Cavaliers | $16,660,836 |
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games | Starts | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | Chicago Bulls | 2 | 0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | .667 | .000 | 1.000 |
| 2020-21 | Miami Heat | 39 | 0 | 13.0 | 6.1 | 1.1 | 0.6 | .455 | .338 | .792 |
| 2021-22 | Miami Heat | 68 | 16 | 23.3 | 10.6 | 3.0 | 1.4 | .441 | .410 | .792 |
| 2022-23 | Miami Heat | 80 | 33 | 28.4 | 11.5 | 3.2 | 2.1 | .410 | .350 | .876 |
| 2023-24 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 70 | 70 | 32.0 | 12.2 | 4.8 | 4.0 | .418 | .351 | .794 |
| 2024-25 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 30 | 17 | 24.7 | 12.6 | 4.9 | 4.5 | .421 | .376 | .846 |
| Career | 289 | 136 | 25.4 | 9.2 | 4.3 | 3.2 | .424 | .366 | .812 |
FAQs
1. Who is Max Strus and what is his current NBA team?
Max Strus is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA. He primarily plays as a small forward or shooting guard. Strus previously played for the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat before joining the Cavaliers in 2023.
2. What is Max Strus’s background in college basketball?
Max Strus began his college basketball career at Lewis University, where he averaged 13.3 points as a freshman and 20.2 points as a sophomore. He later transferred to DePaul University, leading the team in scoring and setting multiple school records, including three-pointers made in a season. He scored over 1,200 points in two seasons at DePaul.
3. How did Max Strus start his NBA career?
Max Strus went undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft but joined the Boston Celtics for Summer League. He later signed with the Chicago Bulls, making his NBA debut in November 2019. After a knee injury, he spent time in the G League before signing with the Miami Heat in 2020, where he earned a regular roster spot.
4. What are some of Max Strus’s notable NBA achievements?
Max Strus played a key role in the Miami Heat’s run to the 2023 NBA Finals. He also set a Cleveland Cavaliers record by making seven three-pointers in his debut game with the team. In February 2024, he made five three-pointers in 67 seconds, including a 59-foot game-winning buzzer-beater, the second-longest in NBA history.
5. What are Max Strus’s career high statistics in the NBA?
Max Strus’s career-highs include 32 points in a single game, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks. He has also recorded one triple-double during his NBA career.
6. What contract did Max Strus sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers?
In July 2023, Max Strus signed a four-year, $63 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers through a sign-and-trade agreement. This deal marked a significant step in his professional career.
7. Has Max Strus suffered any major injuries during his career?
Max Strus suffered a torn ACL and bone bruise in his left knee during a G League game in December 2019, which sidelined him for eight to twelve months. In October 2024, he also missed the start of the NBA season due to a right ankle sprain.
8. What are Max Strus’s main strengths as a basketball player?
Max Strus is known for his three-point shooting ability, versatility as a wing player, and clutch performances in high-pressure situations. He has demonstrated the ability to make critical shots, especially from long range, and contributes with rebounds and assists.
9. What notable records has Max Strus set in his career?
Max Strus holds the record for the most three-pointers made in a Cavaliers debut, with seven. He also became only the fourth player in 25 years to make five three-pointers in the last four minutes of a game, highlighted by a 59-foot game-winning shot in 2024.
10. What is Max Strus’s background and early life?
Max Strus was born on March 28, 1996, in Hickory Hills, Illinois. He attended Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Palos Hills, Illinois, before playing college basketball at Lewis University and DePaul University. His journey from Division II college basketball to the NBA is considered a testament to his perseverance and work ethic.
