The Cleveland Cavaliers are entering the upcoming season with title aspirations after suffering a demoralizing series loss to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, after earning the first seed.

Cleveland's depth took a hit in the offseason when backup point guard Ty Jerome departed in free agency for the Memphis Grizzlies. The backcourt was dealt another blow when Max Strus suffered a fracture in his left foot and underwent successful surgery, the team announced on Tuesday.

Strus has been an impactful player for the Cavaliers since arriving from the Miami Heat, and he will be entering the third year of a four-year, $63 million contract—one of the best current deals in the NBA given his production and ability to be a playoff-caliber starting guard.

Over his firs

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