Cavs Notes: James Harden, Peyton Watson, Max Strus

James Harden apparently did more than wait around while the Cavaliers figured out their summer.

He helped recruit Peyton Watson to Cleveland.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on the Hoops Collective podcast, Harden made his pitch to Watson when the two were together at Fanatics Fest in New York last month. Harden reportedly talked to Watson about the benefits of joining the Cavs, who ultimately acquired the 23-year-old forward from the Nuggets in the five-team trade finalized Thursday.

Harden’s own business with the Cavs was put on hold while they worked through their roster moves. That business is now settled, too, with Harden agreeing Friday to a three-year, $97 million contract.

Watson adds flexibility

The Cavs certainly sound as if they view Watson as more than just another offseason addition.

“Peyton is a young, talented player who we believe fits extremely well with the direction of our team,” president of basketball operations Koby Altman said in the team’s announcement. “His length, athleticism and defensive versatility give us the ability to play him across multiple positions and create more flexibility on both ends of the floor.”

Watson is coming off a career season in Denver, averaging 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks while shooting 41.1 percent on 3-pointers.

He’ll receive a four-year, $88 million contract with a player option and trade kicker and figures to slide immediately into a significant role, quite possibly as the Cavs’ starting small forward.

“He has continued to grow as a player in this league,” Altman said, “and we believe there is significant opportunity for him to take another step in Cleveland.”

Tough goodbye

Of course, getting Watson required the Cavs to give up someone they valued.

Max Strus was sent to the Clippers after three seasons in Cleveland, and Altman’s comments reflected what the organization thought of him.

“Over the past several seasons, Max became an important part of our team, our culture, and our identity,” Altman said. “His professionalism, toughness, competitiveness, and leadership helped shape the standard we have established here, and his impact went well beyond what he did on the court.”

Strus appeared in 132 regular-season games with the Cavs and another 39 in the playoffs. He was part of their run to the Eastern Conference finals last season and, as Altman put it, “an important part of our continued rise.”

So, yes, the Cavs got younger, longer and perhaps better with Watson. But as we’ve written before, that doesn’t mean Strus won’t be missed.