NBA Trade Rumors: Cavs’ Larry Nance Jr. could be prime trade chip at deadline

NBA Trade Rumors: Larry Nance Jr. could emerge as a prime trade chip for the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers appear to have hit big in the 2021 NBA Draft when Evan Mobley, a prospect that many had No. 1 overall on their boards, fell to them at No. 3. After drafting Mobley and then signing Jarrett Allen to a huge long-term extension, it appears that the Cavs have their frontcourt for the next half-decade, at least, in place.

However, that will leave one really good player on the outs – Larry Nance Jr.

Despite the lack of flash or pizazz, Nance Jr. is a really good NBA player. Especially in the modern game. Nance Jr. is coming off three straight productive seasons with the Cavs. Last season, he averaged nine points, seven rebounds, and three assists per game on 47 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent shooting from 3-point range.

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Larry Nance Jr. has an uncertain future with the Cleveland Cavaliers

According to a recent report, Nance Jr. has received some interest from other teams via trade. After Cleveland drafted Evan Mobley and extended Jarrett Allen, Nance Jr. could find himself somewhat on the outside looking in when it comes to the team’s future.

It’s unlikely that the Cavs will extend Nance Jr. beyond his current contract with the team, which has two years remaining on it.

Because of that, it’s likely that Cleveland ultimately shops Nance Jr. either at the NBA Trade Deadline this season or during the next offseason. Either way, he could very well emerge as a valuable trade chip for the Cavs.

Depending on how vast the market would be for Nance Jr., there’s at least an outside chance that the Cavs could even reel in a first-round pick in return. It would be smart for Cleveland to try and recoup some additional draft capital for some of their young players that they simply don’t have room in the rotation for, and there’s a chance that Nance Jr. is the first of such for the Cavs.

And based on his skill set in the modern game, there will be several teams that will be interested in his services whenever Cleveland elects to make him available.