CLEVELAND -- Ever since they acquired him at the NBA trade deadline earlier this year, the Cleveland Cavaliers have made it clear they see forward/center Larry Nance Jr. as a long-term piece for their franchise.
But if the Cavs are going to make that happen before next summer, they have until midnight on Monday to do so.
With the NBA season set to kickoff on Tuesday, the deadline for teams to sign a player entering his fourth season in the league to a contract extension is almost here. This year, teams have until midnight on Monday to agree to terms with players who were a part of the 2015 draft class, with Nance and forward Sam Dekker representing the only player who has qualified for such extension with the Cavs.
While it seems unlikely Cleveland would entertain an extension with Dekker, who it acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers this past offseason, the Cavs and Nance have reportedly been discussing a deal dating back to July 1. Thus far, only Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns, Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker and Miami Heat forward Justice Winslow have agreed to rookie scale extensions this offseason.
Should the Cavs and Nance fail to agree to an extension by midnight, it would hardly mean the end of his tenure with his hometown team. Rather, Nance would become a restricted free agent at season's end, giving Cleveland the right to extend him a one-year qualifying offer or match any other contract he should sign with another team.
The 25-year-old Akron native is currently slated to make $3.3 million in the upcoming season.
Acquired by the Cavs from the Los Angeles Lakers in February, Nance appeared in 24 games for the Cavs last season, averaging 8.9 points and 7.0 rebounds. The son of Cavs legend Larry Nance Sr., the younger Nance is currently dealing with a sprained right ankle, which could sideline him for the team's season opener against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.