CLEVELAND -- Earlier this year, Larry Nance Jr. came home.
Now the Cleveland Cavaliers forward is staying home.
According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, the Cavs and Nance have agreed to a 4-year, $45 million contract extension, which will keep the Akron native in Northeast Ohio through the 2022-23 season. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, the fourth-year forward/center had until midnight on Monday to agree to terms with the team or become a restricted free agent next summer.
Nance's new deal marks the second significant extension the Cavs have signed this offseason following the July departure of LeBron James. In July, Cleveland inked 5-time All-Star Kevin Love to a 4-year, $120 deal.
Acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers at last season's NBA trade deadline, the son of Cavs legend Larry Nance Sr. appeared in 24 games for Cleveland during the regular season, averaging 8.9 points and 7.0 rebounds. Playing in 20 postseason games, the 6-foot-9 high flyer averaged 4.8 points on .683 rebounds and 4.5 rebounds as the Cavs reached their fourth straight NBA Finals.
With James now in Los Angeles, Nance is expected to take on a larger role in Cleveland's offense this season, thanks to versatility and ability to push the ball. Although head coach Tyronn Lue said has said Nance will split starting duties at center Tristan Thompson this season based on matchups, his status for the team's season opener vs. the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday is in question as he recovers from a sprained ankle suffered in practice late last week.