Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr. could be on the move as the NBA’s trade season picks up steam ahead of free agency, multiple sources have told Hoops Wire.
Other reports have also suggested Nance is a potential trade chip, including one from Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, who wrote that Nance is “widely believed to be available.”
Cleveland has been one of the most active teams in trade talks ahead of Thursday’s NBA Draft, per ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. Along with the Nance buzz, the Cavs are reportedly floating the name of leading scorer Collin Sexton, and are said to have spoken with the 76ers about guard/forward Ben Simmons.
One name to watch in a trade today / next week:
Larry Nance Jr.
— Ross (@LegionHoopsRoss) July 29, 2021
Nance, 28, is a favorite of both the organization and fans, a 6-foot-7 athletic forward who brings energy at both ends. He hails from nearby Akron and is the son of franchise legend Larry Nance Sr.
As Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com wrote, Nance is “highly valued as a defensive-minded/unselfish big man,” particularly for contenders.
“Nance will probably never average 15 points and 10 rebounds a game,” Pluto wrote. “But he is one of the few Cavs who wants to defend. He loves playing here. I’d be reluctant to trade him.”
Still, winning teams are increasingly showing interest and a Nance trade could therefore bring the rebuilding Cavs a nice return, sources indicated.
While most sources don’t expect the Cavs to move Nance during the draft, plenty feel a deal could be had during free agency next week, or closer to the season.
Nance averaged 9.3 points and 6.7 rebounds in 35 games last season.
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