Nance Jr. Joins Pacers
Indiana Pacers Sign Veteran Larry Nance Jr. to Bolster Frontcourt Depth and Realign Roster
Key Points
Pacers near the first luxury tax apron after signing Larry Nance Jr. and previously adding Kelly Oubre Jr., signaling a pragmatic retooling plan that pushes the team close to the tax threshold.
Nance appeared in two Cavs playoff games last season, averaging 2.3 minutes and did not score, highlighting a limited postseason role prior to joining the Pacers.
Nance is a Cleveland native and the oldest son of Cavs legend Larry Nance Sr., a Revere High School graduate, underscoring his hometown connection to the area.
Nance will be joining his sixth NBA team, having previously played for the Lakers, Cavaliers, Trail Blazers, Pelicans and Hawks before signing with the Pacers.
Last offseason, Nance’s return to the Cavaliers was viewed as an affordable, versatile depth move at a cheap price for a second-apron team, a perception that frames his career as a dependable depth option rather than a cornerstone piece.
The Indiana Pacers have agreed to sign Larry Nance Jr. to a one-year, $4 million deal, adding a veteran big man to their frontcourt depth chart, according to Forbes and WISH-TV. The 33-year-old forward has played 11 NBA seasons across five teams and will now join a sixth franchise entering the 2025-26 campaign.
The signing follows Indiana's earlier addition of Kelly Oubre Jr. and pushes the Pacers close to the NBA's first luxury tax apron. The move signals a pragmatic, depth-focused approach as the team looks to compete in the Eastern Conference.
Nance Brings 11 Seasons of Frontcourt Versatility
Nance spent last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, appearing in 35 regular-season games. He averaged 3.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in just 12.8 minutes per game. His role was limited in the postseason too — he played in two playoff games, averaging 2.3 minutes and did not score, per The New York Times.
Over his career, Nance has averaged 7.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, according to SI. Those numbers reflect his value as a reliable backup big rather than a starter. The Pacers expect him to contribute off the bench and provide toughness in the frontcourt.
A Depth Signing That Pushes Pacers to the Tax Apron
Nance qualifies for the largest possible veteran minimum salary in the NBA, which lands his deal at $4 million, per Forbes. That makes him an affordable option for a team watching its payroll closely. The Pacers are now operating near the first luxury tax apron after this deal and the Oubre signing.
Teams near the tax apron face restrictions on certain roster moves and trades. Indiana's willingness to push close to that line shows the front office is serious about adding proven depth without breaking the bank. Nance fits that profile — a cheap, versatile piece who knows his role.
Six Teams, One Cleveland Native, Plenty of Experience
Nance has now suited up for six NBA franchises — the Lakers, Cavaliers, Trail Blazers, Pelicans, Hawks, and now the Pacers. He grew up in Cleveland and is the oldest son of Cavs legend Larry Nance Sr. He graduated from Revere High School in the Cleveland area, per The New York Times.
That Cleveland connection shaped his identity as a player. His familiarity with big-market pressure and playoff basketball makes him a useful veteran voice in Indiana's locker room. At 33, Nance brings the kind of steady, no-drama presence that young rosters often need, according to WISH-TV.
Pacers Round Out Roster With Low-Risk, High-Experience Moves
Indiana's offseason strategy has focused on adding experienced players at manageable costs. Oubre Jr. came first, and now Nance fills out the frontcourt. Both moves prioritize depth and veteran leadership over splashy, high-dollar signings, according to SI.
Nance's signing mirrors how Cleveland used him last offseason — an affordable, versatile depth move for a team with payroll constraints. The Pacers are betting that his experience across 11 seasons and six teams translates into a calming, productive role off the bench as they chase a deeper playoff run in the East.
Sentiment
Mostly PositivePublishers
14
Articles
32
Reach
46
