Hawks Reportedly Rebuffing Trade Offers For Larry Nance Jr.

The Atlanta Hawks are keeping their cards close to the chest when it comes to Larry Nance Jr.

Despite plenty of suitors buzzing around, the Hawks aren’t budging, per Marc Stein of The Stein Line. No surprise there — Nance is exactly the kind of versatile, glue-guy forward that contenders salivate over.

But in Atlanta? He’s more than just a utility player; he’s a key piece of the team’s identity. Nance came to Atlanta in the blockbuster deal that shipped Dejounte Murray to New Orleans, and he’s been a steadying force ever since, both on and off the court.

Word around the league is that plenty of teams have tried to pry Nance loose since the summer, but the Hawks have stood firm. That trend isn’t expected to change now that the trade season is heating up.

Whether it’s his ability to defend multiple positions, knock down the occasional jumper, or make winning plays that don’t show up in the box score, Nance fits perfectly into coach Quin Snyder’s vision.

Meanwhile, Clint Capela? That’s another story entirely. The veteran big man is apparently the most available Hawk right now, and it makes sense. He’s in the final year of his deal, earning $22.3 million, and Atlanta already has a rising star in Onyeka Okongwu waiting in the wings.

The Knicks were sniffing around Capela earlier this year, even before they landed Karl-Anthony Towns in a September blockbuster. Could they circle back now that Towns is locked in? Unlikely, but stranger things have happened.

For now, all signs point to Capela being the most realistic trade chip, while Nance stays put as Atlanta tries to navigate a loaded Eastern Conference. They were blasted by the visiting Denver Nuggets by a 141-111 count on Sunday.

And in this league, as we all know, plans can change with one phone call. So don’t hang up just yet.

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