Name: Max Strus
Age: 30
Birthday: March 28, 1996
Born: Hickory Hills, Illinois, USA
Net Worth: Approximately $5 million
Fun Fact: On February 27, 2024, Strus hit a 59-foot game-winning buzzer-beater against the Dallas Mavericks — the second-longest game-winner in the NBA since 1979.
Max Strus wasn't supposed to be here. He wasn't a five-star recruit coming out of high school, he wasn't drafted into the NBA, and he spent his early professional career fighting for two-way contracts that offered little job security. Yet today, he's a key starter for the Cleveland Cavaliers, signed to a $62.3 million contract, and known as one of the most dangerous three-point shooters in the league. His journey from undrafted free agent to multi-millionaire NBA star is the kind of story that defines the modern basketball grind.
From Undrafted to Undeniable: The Max Strus Story
Born and raised in Hickory Hills, Illinois, Max Strus attended Amos Alonzo Stagg High School before taking his talents to Lewis University, a Division II program. After two standout seasons there, he transferred to DePaul University in Chicago, where he truly put himself on the map. As a senior with the Blue Demons during the 2018–19 season, Strus averaged 20.1 points per game and shot an impressive 36.3% from three-point range. Despite his scoring prowess, he went unselected in the 2019 NBA Draft — a moment that would fuel his relentless drive.
Rather than giving up, Strus signed a two-way contract with the Boston Celtics in October 2019. The deal was worth just over $2.4 million over two years, with most of that money not guaranteed. He spent time with the Celtics' G League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws, before being waived. The Chicago Bulls picked him up, again on a two-way deal, assigning him to the Windy City Bulls. It wasn't until he joined the Miami Heat in 2020 that his career began to take real shape. The Heat converted him from a training camp invite to a two-way contract and eventually to a full NBA deal worth $3.5 million over two years.
Breaking Down Max Strus's Record-Breaking Career
Strus's time with the Miami Heat from 2020 to 2023 was transformative. He went from a little-known G League prospect to a key rotation player on an NBA Finals team. In 2022, he started 16 playoff games for the Heat as they made a stunning run to the Eastern Conference Finals. The following year, he started 33 regular-season games and all 23 playoff games as Miami made an even deeper run all the way to the NBA Finals. His fearless three-point shooting and relentless defensive energy made him a fan favorite in South Beach.
In July 2023, Strus landed the payday he had been working toward his entire career. The Cleveland Cavaliers acquired him in a sign-and-trade deal worth four years and $62.3 million — every dollar fully guaranteed. For a player who had earned less than $4 million in total NBA salary through his first four seasons, it was a life-changing moment. Strus made an immediate impact in Cleveland, scoring 27 points with seven three-pointers and 12 rebounds in his Cavaliers debut in October 2023 — the best three-point shooting debut in franchise history.
His signature moment came on February 27, 2024, against the Dallas Mavericks. Trailing by two with just seconds remaining, Strus caught an inbounds pass near half court, took one dribble, and launched a 59-foot shot that swished through the net as the buzzer sounded. It was the second-longest game-winning buzzer-beater in the NBA since the league began tracking shot distances in 1979. The shot went viral instantly and cemented Strus's reputation as a player who delivers in the biggest moments.
The Road to $62.3 Million: Contract Timeline
Strus's contract journey is a masterclass in perseverance. Here's the year-by-year breakdown of his earnings:
- 2019–20 (Boston Celtics): Two-way contract — approximately $898,310 (partial season before being waived)
- 2019–20 (Chicago Bulls): Two-way contract — remainder of season at minimum salary
- 2020–21 (Miami Heat): Two-way contract — approximately $449,155
- 2021–22 (Miami Heat): Two-year, $3.5 million full NBA contract — earned approximately $1.5 million
- 2022–23 (Miami Heat): Second year of deal — earned approximately $1.8 million
- 2023–24 (Cleveland Cavaliers): First year of four-year, $62.3M deal — $14,487,684
- 2024–25 (Cleveland Cavaliers): Second year — $15,212,068
- 2025–26 (Cleveland Cavaliers): Third year — $15,936,452
- 2026–27 (Cleveland Cavaliers): Fourth year — $16,660,836
According to Spotrac, Strus's total career earnings from NBA contracts stand at approximately $49.5 million when accounting for his full guaranteed contract. Sportskeeda reports his on-court earnings at over $33.6 million as of March 2025.
Endorsements: Quiet but Meaningful Deals
Unlike many NBA stars who command massive shoe deals and national advertising campaigns, Max Strus has taken a more understated approach to endorsements. His most notable partnership is with Anta, the Chinese sportswear brand that has been steadily expanding its NBA presence. Strus wears Anta's Project Z-Up line during games, joining a roster of Anta athletes that includes Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson.
While Strus doesn't have a signature shoe or headline-grabbing commercial campaigns, his Anta deal is a meaningful source of supplemental income. For a player who went undrafted and had to earn everything the hard way, even a modest endorsement deal represents a significant achievement. It's a testament to his marketability as a hard-working, blue-collar player whose style of play resonates with fans.
Current Net Worth: What Max Strus Is Worth Today
As of 2025, Max Strus's estimated net worth is approximately $5 million. This figure factors in his NBA salary earnings minus taxes (which can be as high as 40-50% for top earners in certain states), agent fees (typically 3-4% for NBA contracts), and living expenses. While his $62.3 million contract makes him a multi-millionaire on paper, actual take-home pay is considerably less once all deductions are accounted for.
It's worth noting that net worth estimates for Strus range across different sources. Some sites like SalarySport project a higher figure around $66 million — but this appears to include the full value of his future contract earnings rather than actual accumulated wealth. More conservative estimates from Sportskeeda and EssentiallySports place his current net worth between $5-6 million, which aligns with the typical trajectory for a player who has been earning substantial NBA money for only two seasons.
Strus continues to build his wealth through his Cavaliers salary, endorsement income, and smart financial planning. As he plays through the remaining years of his $62.3 million contract, his net worth is expected to grow substantially — provided he manages his finances wisely and stays healthy on the court.
Where Things Stand Now
The 2024–25 season presented challenges for Strus. He suffered a right ankle sprain during preseason workouts in October 2024 that sidelined him for approximately six weeks. Despite the setback, he returned to reclaim his role as a vital piece of Cleveland's rotation. The Cavaliers have real playoff aspirations, and Strus's three-point shooting and energy are critical to their success.
Looking ahead, Strus has two more guaranteed seasons remaining on his contract through 2026-27, when he'll earn a career-high $16.6 million. He'll hit free agency again in 2027 at age 31, giving him the potential for one more significant NBA payday. Given his track record of exceeding expectations, few would bet against him landing another lucrative deal.
Max Strus's journey from undrafted free agent to $62.3 million NBA star is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and the belief that opportunity is more important than pedigree. His net worth of approximately $5 million today may seem modest compared to NBA superstars, but for a player who started with nothing guaranteed, it represents a fortune earned the hard way — one three-pointer at a time.
