Cavs reportedly hunting a smaller trade to set up a bigger one

Cleveland is canvassing the league for a team willing to absorb Max Strus and his $15.55 million expiring salary, Marc Stein wrote in The Stein Line. The savings would help the Cavaliers put together a sign-and-trade for either Jonathan Kuminga or Peyton Watson.

Cleveland already dumped Dennis Schroder and cash on Charlotte for Tre Mann, leaving it $44 million under the second apron with a $6.1 million tax midlevel available. James Harden is expected to re-sign on a multiyear deal in the $40 million-plus range once the wing hunt is settled.

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