Sixers linked to Cavaliers’ Larry Nance Jr.

The NBA’s March 25th trade deadline is quickly approaching and although the Sixers sit atop of the Eastern Conference heading into the All-Star break, they can definitely use some additional pieces to shore up their roster for the second half of the season.
The Sixers have been linked to PJ Tucker from the Houston Rockets, Kyle Lowry from the Toronto Raptors and Nemanja Bjelica from the Sacramento Kings. Reports over the past few days add a new player into the mix with Cleveland Cavaliers’ power forward Larry Nance Jr. reportedly available. Lance is a hard-dunking, athletic big man and according to multiple reports, is currently being pursued by a number of teams including the Philadelphia 76ers.
Nance, who turns 29 later this Spring, currently has a $11.7 million cap hit this year with two more years left on his contract. The following two years hit at $10.7 million and $9.7 million. If the Sixers do decide to bring in Nance, it wouldn’t be a short-term investment.
Larry Nance Jr. is not much of an offensive threat but this year, he’s quietly turned himself into a reliable option for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He’s currently shooting a career-high 38.1% from three point range on 3.3 attempts per game. Those types of numbers fit well into a Sixers lineup that is constantly look to spread the floor and find open shooters along the perimeter. Nance could be used as a small-ball center with Ben Simmons running point. He’s also averaging a carrer-high 3.2 assists per game. Nance moves well without the ball and can absolutely throw down some highlight reel dunks.
Defensively, Nance can hold his own. He’s averaging nearly two steals per game and a half block per game. He has a +3 net rating through 19 games with the Cavaliers this year. On paper, Nance is having a better year than another trade target the Sixers have been linked to in PJ Tucker. The Sixers could most likely land a deal by packaging the expiring contract of Mike Scott while salary-matching Terrance Ferguson or Tony Bradley, plus a draft pick or two.
A move is definitely incoming. It’s really just a matter of what Morey thinks is more valuable for the second half of this season.
Mandatory Credit: CBS Sports