Kenny Atkinson, Cavaliers Lose Forward in Free Agency on Wednesday
The Cleveland Cavaliers continue to reshape their roster following another successful regular season, but one familiar veteran won't be returning. On Wednesday, longtime NBA forward Larry Nance Jr. agreed to leave Cleveland in free agency, ending his second stint with the franchise after just one season.
While Nance wasn't a major part of Kenny Atkinson's rotation during the 2025-26 campaign, he provided frontcourt depth and veteran leadership for a Cavaliers team that finished 52-30 before reaching the playoffs.
Now, the Ohio native is headed to a new destination, giving the Indiana Pacers another experienced option in their frontcourt as they continue building their roster for the 2026-27 season.
According to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, Nance has agreed to a one-year contract with Indiana.
"Free agent Larry Nance Jr. has agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with the Indiana Pacers."
Multiple reports later clarified that the contract is expected to be worth approximately $3.88 million, a veteran minimum deal that gives Indiana added frontcourt depth.
Free agent C/F Larry Nance Jr. has agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with the Indiana Pacers, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/VaSyOgtj87
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 8, 2026
Larry Nance Jr. Reunites With an Eastern Conference Contender
Although injuries limited Nance's production over the past two seasons, the 33-year-old remains a respected veteran entering his 12th NBA campaign.
Last season with Cleveland, Nance appeared in 35 regular-season games, averaging 3.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.0 assist in just 12.8 minutes per game while shooting 41.9% from the field.
His role was limited behind a deep Cavaliers frontcourt led by Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, but Nance still brought energy, defensive versatility and locker-room leadership whenever his number was called.
Across an 11-year NBA career with the Lakers, Cavaliers, Trail Blazers, Pelicans, Hawks and Cavaliers again, Nance has appeared in 581 regular-season games while averaging 7.5 points and 5.9 rebounds.
Cavaliers Move Forward After Veteran Departure
For Atkinson and the Cavaliers, Nance's departure is unlikely to dramatically alter the rotation, but it does remove an experienced reserve from Cleveland's bench.
Meanwhile, Indiana hopes the veteran can provide depth behind its frontcourt rotation while mentoring younger players. The Pacers reportedly believe Nance still has something left to offer despite injuries limiting his availability over the last two seasons.
With free agency continuing around the league, Wednesday's agreement marks another veteran changing teams as NBA rosters continue taking shape ahead of training camp.
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This story was originally published July 8, 2026 at 6:46 PM.