Cavaliers looking to flip Max Strus for ex-Warrior Jonathan Kuminga after missing on LeBron James originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cleveland Cavaliers were in the same position as many other contenders over the last week, pursuing LeBron James as aggressively as possible in hopes of giving him one final championship run. Cleveland was hoping for a homecoming with the four-time NBA champion, who had already spent two separate stints with the franchise.

The Cavaliers’ roster heading into the upcoming season is extremely appealing. They are set to feature James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, giving them a strong foundation to compete in the Eastern Conference. At one point, Cleveland was considered one of the favorites to land James.

“I would be stunned if he picked a team that wasn’t Golden State or Cleveland,” a Western Conference executive told FOS’ Alex Schiffer.

It appeared the Cavaliers had a legitimate chance to bring back the final version of James that the NBA will ever see. However, that is not how things unfolded this summer. James is heading to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he hopes to capture another NBA championship.

“LeBron James is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers for his final run at another NBA championship, he announced Friday,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote. “James, 41, is signing a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option, Klutch Sports Group CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania.”

With James joining Philadelphia, Cleveland now has to find an athletic wing to add to its roster. The Cavaliers have turned their attention toward NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga, but acquiring him will likely require a sign-and-trade. Cleveland is reportedly willing to move Max Strus in a potential deal for Kuminga.

“The Cavaliers are ramping up their pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga via sign-and-trade after missing out on LeBron James. Cleveland is actively shopping Max Strus, who Kuminga would replace on the wing. A potential framework might feature Strus + 2nd-round pick capital for Kuminga,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.

The Atlanta Hawks currently do not have much roster flexibility to add players. However, acquiring Strus would make sense because Atlanta could use additional shooting off the bench. Strus also represents a more appealing option for the Hawks compared to what the Los Angeles Lakers could offer in a potential sign-and-trade scenario.

The Cavaliers are not going down without a fight in their pursuit of Kuminga. The young forward has become one of the most sought-after players available in free agency. Strus would join a Hawks team looking to add shooting, while Kuminga would have the opportunity to thrive in Cleveland alongside Mitchell and Harden.

More NBA news:

• Heat reportedly favorites to sign $645M veteran duo to join Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo

• Lakers, Cavaliers get $20M contract demand from ex-Warriors NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga

• 76ers reportedly signing $147M elite shooter, ex-Lakers NBA champion to reunite with LeBron James

• Heat, Warriors in bidding war for $73M future Hall of Famer after missing out on LeBron James