CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cavaliers and the agent for forward Larry Nance have been talking about a trade for a few months.
“It’s not like Larry wanted to be traded or had any problems with Cleveland,” said Mark Bartelstein, his agent. “He loves everything about the Cavs and Cleveland. He grew up there. But we also had a discussion about where Larry is right now at this point in his career and what he wanted to do next.”
The 28-year-old Nance is entering his seventh NBA season. He was traded to Portland on Friday in A 3-way deal bringing 7-foot Lauri Markkanen to the Cavs. Markkanen had played the first four years of his career with Chicago.
“Larry is a great player entering his prime,” said Bartelstein. “I had been talking to Koby (Cavs GM Koby Altman) for a few months about possibly finding a place where Larry could go and play in big time games. The Cavs are still building. Larry would like a chance to play in the postseason in high level games.”
Bartelstein said Altman was reluctant to trade Nance. The GM had turned down several trade offers for the Revere High product in the past.
“Really, this started with a call from me,” said Bartelstein. “We wanted to find two things: A place where Larry would like to play and a deal where the Cavs would get real value in return.”
Agents often are involved in deals like this. Markkanen was a restricted free agent, meaning he had to sign a contract first and then be dealt. Meanwhile, the Cavs were looking for a playoff team where Nance’s all-around skills would fit in well. The 6-foot-9 Nance is an outstanding defender, ballhandler and rebounder.
“Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum will love playing with Larry,” said Bartelstein, referring to Portland’s two high-scoring guards. The Trailblazers had a 42-30 record in 2020-21. They have made the playoffs in each of the last eight seasons.
The Cavs re-signed 7-foot Jarrett Allen. Then they drafted 7-foot Evan Mobley. While Markkanen also is 7-foot, his best attribute is long distance shooting. He made 40 percent of his 3-pointers last season.
That blends with Allen and Mobley, who are not known for outside shooting. Nor is Nance a 3-point specialist.
“This is a win/win for both sides,” said Bartelstein. “Larry is excited and a little heartbroken at the same time because of his attachment to Cleveland. But at this stage of his career, this is the right move for Larry to make.”
ABOUT KEVIN LOVE
I reported a rumor of the Cavs having possible talks with Love about a buyout of his contract, which has two years and $60 million left. I reported the Cavs denied it.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski quoted Love’s agent Jeff Schwartz saying: “There have been no talks with Cleveland on a buyout, nor is there any interest in Kevin doing a buyout.”
Love is open to a trade, according to the story. But his injury history and contract has not led to any serious conversations.
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