The Cleveland Cavaliers’ offseason has officially begun after falling in the 2018 NBA Finals. While all the headlines are eyeing LeBron James and what he decides to do with his big free agency decision, the Cavs cannot wait on him and will have to decide on their own future potentially without James. They’ve got young pieces like Rodney Hood and Larry Nance Jr. to discuss future contracts with, as well as the eighth overall pick in the 2018 Draft.
One guy who likely will remain with Cleveland, however, is Nance. According to Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com, Nance and the team both have significant interest on a contract extension.
Starting July 1, the Cavs can negotiate with Larry Nance Jr. on a lucrative contract extension, because he is entering the final year of his rookie contract (and is due about $2.3 million next season).
Nance averaged 8.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 1.2 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game in 24 games for the Cavs this year. He played a solid role off Cleveland’s bench in his first postseason appearance this year and reached the NBA Finals. In addition to the interest in a contract extension, the Cavs are reportedly viewing him as a foundational piece moving forward.
Multiple league sources told cleveland.com there is “a ton” of interest on both sides to discuss an extension for Nance, who is 25 and is the son of former Cavs great Larry Nance Sr. Nance Jr. grew up here, went to Revere High School, and the Cavs traded a No. 1 pick to acquire him and Jordan Clarkson.
The Cavs have expressed to Nance that they view him as a foundational piece, sources said.
If there’s one no-brainer for the Cavs this season outside of retaining LeBron James, it’s finding a way to keep Nance Jr. long-term. The son of former Cavalier legend Larry Nance, Nance Jr was given the chance to wear his father’s retired No. 22 jersey throughout the season.
Even if the two sides couldnt agree on an extension, the Cavs have the chance to make him a restricted free agent next summer.