Larry Nance Jr. inks one-year deal with Pacers

Larry Nance Jr. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Larry Nance Jr. inks one-year deal with Pacers

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Jul 8, 2026 3:09 PM ET

The Indiana Pacers continued reshaping their roster Wednesday by adding a veteran forward-center in free agency that they hope can bring a bit of toughness and defense to the roster.

Larry Nance Jr. is headed to Indiana

According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Indiana and Larry Nance Jr. agreed on a one-year, $4 million contract for the 2026-27 season.

Nance, an 11-year veteran, spent last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers and will be joining his fourth team in as many seasons. As it currently stands, the Pacers' backup options at power forward and center are Obi Toppin and Micah Potter.

Toppin is the more experienced and proven NBA player, meaning the path for Nance is likely to be the backup center to the recently acquired Ivica Zubac.

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

Nance averaged a career-low 12.8 minutes per game last season with Cleveland, a number that should certainly increase in a full-time backup role. He had one of the best overall seasons of his career during the 2024-25 season, a year in which he averaged 19.3 minutes per game. Even a small increase in playing time should see Nance turn into a serviceable backup for an Indiana team that, at full strength, will have championship aspirations.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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