Here’s a trade proposal that raises eyebrows for all the right reasons - not because of the names involved, but because of the timing and the context. Two players, both currently sidelined with injuries, swapped for one another in a deal that’s more about fit and future than immediate impact.
The proposed trade? Cleveland sends Max Strus to Memphis in exchange for Brandon Clarke.
Now, on the surface, this might feel like a lateral move. Neither player has suited up this season. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll see why this idea could make sense for both sides - particularly for two teams navigating very different versions of adversity.
Cleveland’s Situation: Injuries, Expectations, and the Search for Spark
The Cavaliers came into the season with high hopes after finishing with the East’s best record last year. But so far, they’ve struggled to find their rhythm, sitting at 15-12 - a respectable record, sure, but not what you expect from a team with championship aspirations.
As it stands, they’d be the eighth seed and headed for the play-in tournament. That’s not the trajectory this group envisioned.
Injuries have played a major role in Cleveland’s uneven start, and while the core four (Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen) remains intact, the supporting cast hasn’t delivered consistently - in part because of health, in part because of fit.
Enter Brandon Clarke.
Clarke hasn’t played this season due to injury, but when healthy, he’s a high-energy forward who brings exactly the kind of interior activity Cleveland’s bench has been missing. Think Larry Nance Jr.
2.0 - a relentless rebounder, a lob threat, and a defensive disruptor who thrives in the chaos. He doesn’t need plays called for him.
He just finds ways to impact the game.
That’s the kind of role player who can elevate a second unit and change the tone of a game without needing the ball in his hands.
Memphis’ Perspective: Shooting, Shooting, and More Shooting
On the flip side, the Grizzlies have had their own share of injury woes, and their offense has struggled to find consistent perimeter threats. Max Strus, when healthy, addresses that need directly.
Last season with the Cavs, Strus averaged 9.4 points per game and shot 38.6% from deep - a solid clip, especially for a team that’s often desperate for spacing around Ja Morant. Strus isn’t just a catch-and-shoot guy either. He moves well off the ball, understands how to find gaps in the defense, and brings a level of shooting gravity that opens up lanes for slashers and bigs alike.
He’s currently recovering from surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot, so there’s no clear timetable for his return. But neither is there for Clarke, who’s still working his way back from his own injury.
The Money and the Math
Financially, the deal works. Strus is making $15.9 million this season, while Clarke is at $12.5 million. The numbers are close enough that the trade could be executed without much cap gymnastics.
For both teams, this isn’t about adding a star. It’s about shoring up the roster with a player who, once healthy, fills a very specific need.
Cleveland gets a high-motor big who can bring life to their frontcourt rotation. Memphis gets a proven shooter who fits their offensive identity. Both players are under contract, so there’s some long-term value here too - not just a short-term patch.
The Bigger Picture
This trade idea isn’t flashy. It’s not going to lead SportsCenter. But it’s the kind of move that smart front offices consider when the season isn’t going according to plan - a calculated bet on fit, upside, and health.
If Clarke returns to form, he could be exactly the kind of bench piece Cleveland needs to re-ignite their campaign. And if Strus gets back on the floor, he could help unlock Memphis’ offense in ways they’ve struggled to do all season.
Two injured players. One intriguing trade. Sometimes the best moves are the ones that fly under the radar - until they don’t.