Dean

Wade

Wade was a solid contributor for the Cavaliers last season, a perimeter threat who could also defend at the forward spot. He spent all seven of his NBA seasons with Cleveland but will now depart to Philadelphia and likely play a similar role. Wade averaged 5.8 points and 4.2 rebounds on 43.9/36.2/71.1 shooting splits last season.

Harden, who helped the Cavaliers reach the Eastern Conference Finals last season, would have earned a base salary of $42.3 million had he opted into the final season of his contract. However, the decision to opt out and negotiate a new deal with the Cavaliers is likely to benefit both parties. While Harden would get additional security in the form of more years, Cleveland may be able to give him a lower annual salary. With the team hopeful to retain pending free agent Dean Wade while also lowering its payroll, every little bit helps.

Strus has not been in the starting lineup for this series, with Dean Wade (two rebounds, one assist and one steal) receiving the first shot at defending New York’s Jalen Brunson. However, it’s fair to question if Cavaliers’ head coach Kenny Atkinson will consider a lineup change going into Monday’s must-win Game 4. Strus, who logged 31 minutes to Wade’s 17, is a greater threat offensively while being able to harass Brunson defensively. The Knicks’ star still scored 30 points in Game 3, but Cleveland not getting any offensive production from Wade was also problematic. Cleveland needs a win on Monday to extend its season and send the series back to New York for a Game 5.

The Cavaliers have changed their starting lineup for Game 7, with Strus replacing Dean Wade. Strus offers a higher offensive ceiling, and he can also take on the task of defending Cade Cunningham. The other four starters are unchanged.

The rumblings that Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson was considering a change to his starting lineup have been proven true. Strus, who was a starter for most of last season, moves into the starting five for Wednesday’s game, with Dean Wade heading to the bench. The other four starters are unchanged.

The Cavaliers will be without most of their rotation players for Sunday’s regular-season finale, as their playoff seeding is locked in. The absences in the frontcourt free up opportunities for Nae’Qwan Tomlin, who should have the ultimate green light on Sunday.

Wade will return from a seven-game absence and make his way into the Cavs’ starting unit. The veteran forward had struggled with his three-point shot in the four games prior to the ankle injury. However, he’ll return to his floor-spacing role, with a chance to find his rhythm before the playoffs begin. Cleveland is currently fourth in the Eastern Conference standings.

Both Tyson and Wade have missed significant time, but the pair have a chance to return in Wednesday’s tilt with the Hawks. With Thomas Bryant (calf) ruled out, Larry Nance Jr. could enjoy some additional run if Tyson or Wade end up sitting out again.

Wade is progressing in his recovery from a sprained right ankle, but there is still plenty of work to be done. According to Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson, the forward has not reached the point where he’s playing 3-on-3 or 4-on-4. The hope is that Wade is available in time for the playoffs. The Cavaliers have similar hopes for Jaylon Tyson (toe), but he is not as far along in his rehab process as Wade.

Wade and Tyson, who did not travel with the Cavaliers on their three-game road trip that concluded on Thursday, will remain out on Sunday. Due to the absences in the frontcourt, Larry Nance Jr. could move into the rotation on Sunday out of necessity.