Max Strus (foot) out at least four weeks

The rookie led all players in minutes and FGA (15). He shot just 3-of-15 from the floor and 1-of-11 from beyond the arc, but he came in clutch when it counted. Wagler scored nine points in the final frame, including a go-ahead step-back 19-footer with 14 seconds left to give the Clippers a 102-101 lead which they would not relinquish. Wagler should be heavily involved in LA’s rotation from Day 1, making him an interesting, late-round selection in 12-team fantasy basketball leagues.

While the Clippers won their preseason opener on Sunday, beating the Warriors 104-101, Strus’ injury dampened the mood. He played five minutes before leaving the game with a non-contact right foot injury. The plan is to evaluate Strus’ foot when the team returns to Los Angeles, but he could miss an extended period of time. With Brandon Ingram (heel/Achilles) already out, the Clippers don’t need to take another hit to their wing depth.

This is a major blow for the Clippers as they enter the post-Kawhi Leonard era. During his media availability, Ingram said he’s considered week-to-week. With BI on the shelf, Max Strus, Keaton Wagler and Gradey Dick are all candidates to see increased run. The rookie Wagler has the most upside and makes for a fine, late-round selection in fantasy drafts.

Miller’s injury could mean additional run for Keaton Wagler and Kris Dunn, though the pair will compete with Gradey Dick, Bradley Beal and Darius Garland for minutes.

Strus will get a fresh start after three seasons in Cleveland. His defense and floor spacing should help make an immediate impact for the Clippers as they look to establish a new identity in the post-Kawhi Leonard era. Strus could start alongside Darius Garland, but his presence in a crowded backcourt will make the rotation difficult to project. Kris Dunn, Bennedict Mathurin (RFA) and Gradey Dick all stand to lose out on minutes with Strus on the squad.

The Cavs’ interest in Watson has been rumored for a while, and they were finally able to get a deal done, and it wasn’t just the trade. With the deal, Watson also agreed to a four-year, $88 million extension to stay in Cleveland for a while. Watson is coming off a breakout season and should fill in as the Cavs’ fifth starter alongside James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Watson’s role will look different than it did last season, but his versatility on both ends should fit in well in Cleveland as they look to compete in the East. Watson’s departure should officially lock in Christian Braun, Cameron Johnson and Aaron Gordon as starters in Denver, though Julian Strawther should step into extra minutes off the bench.

Watson remains a restricted free agent, and the Cavaliers are reportedly exploring ways to create enough salary-cap space to offer him a four-year deal. According to Stein, Cleveland has considered trade scenarios involving guards Dennis Schroder and Max Strus to shed salary. Watson is seeking a deal worth more than $25 million annually, but could also accept his $6.5 million qualifying offer from the Nuggets and become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Whether he remains in Denver or heads elsewhere, Watson has the skill set needed to offer reliable fantasy value. That said, an opportunity to start would raise his ceiling, and that may not be possible in Denver next season.

Wagler shot 1-of-5 from beyond the arc in Tuesday’s defeat, which dented his overall field-goal percentage. However, the rookie committed just one turnover and appeared more at ease than in his summer league debut on Thursday. Wagler’s size and playmaking ability may add a dimension to the Clippers’ backcourt that was missing last season, as Darius Garland and Kris Dunn are smaller guards. With the Kawhi Leonard trade on hold, it’s still unclear what the roster will look like when training camp opens. Regardless of what happens, Wagler’s development will be critical for the Clippers moving forward.

Wagler’s first game as a Clipper was certainly disappointing. The physicality clearly impacted him and prevented him from getting to his spots. That was a big part of his game in college and was why the Clippers took him with the No. 5 overall pick. There’s no reason to sound the alarms yet, but he is certainly going to have to get stronger to have success in the NBA. He’ll look to bounce back against the Jazz on Sunday.

Wagler came off the bench to begin his freshman season, but things changed when Illinois lost Kylan Boswell to a broken hand. In addition to moving into the starting five, the 6-foot-5 Wagler had the ball in his hands more, and he took full advantage. Averaging 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.9 steals and 2.4 three-pointers, Wagler shot 44.5 percent from the field, 39.7 percent from three and 79.6 percent from the foul line. Wagler can both score and facilitate, and he has the length needed to affect passing lanes defensively. The Clippers’ acquired this pick from the Pacers in the Ivica Zubac trade, and the gamble paid off. Wagler should start alongside Darius Garland in the backcourt, where he’ll see plenty of reps both on and off the ball. Worst case scenario, he plays a large reserve role as Garland’s backup in year one, though he should be a big part of this franchise’s future.