Cavs Waive Pete Nance, Three Others

The Cavaliers have made some expected moves ahead of the NBA season, waiving forward Pete Nance, wing Jules Bernard, and as we reported previously, guards Jacob Gilyard and Zhaire Smith.

All four players have G League experience and are highly likely headed to the Cleveland Charge.

Nance, of course, is the son of Cavs legend Larry Nance and brother of former Cavs forward Larry Nance Jr., now of the Hawks. Pete appeared in eight games with the Cavs last season and finished the year on a two-way contract. He spent most of his time as a rookie out of North Carolina (via Northwestern) with the Charge.

Nance, 24, is 6-foot-11 and scored the lone basket of his NBA career in the final game of the regular season, a loss to the Hornets. He went 1-of-3 from the field for three points.

With the Charge, he averaged 13.7 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists, proving to be a proficient passer for a player his size. 

Smith, 25, is 6-5 and a former No. 16 overall pick in the NBA Draft. He came to camp with the Cavaliers last fall, before spending most of the year with the Charge. He did receive a callup and signed a 10-day deal with the parent club in February.

In 47 games with the Charge last season, Smith averaged 13.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists, shooting nearly 40% on 3-pointers. He has appeared in a total of 13 NBA games, all with the 76ers

Gilyard, 26, is 5-foot-9 and has played a total of 42 NBA games with the Nets and Spurs, averaging 4.2 points and 3.4 assists. The Cavs recently acquired his G League returning player rights in a trade with the Memphis Hustle.

Bernard, 24, is 6-7 and appeared in 19 games with the Wizards as a rookie last season. He carries career averages of 3.9 points and 1.4 rebounds.