#3: Larry Nance Jr.
When looking at the best contracts on Cleveland’s current roster, when factoring in value, I’d argue that Larry Nance Jr. is likely in that mix, as he is at this point set to make, while not the cheapest deal, roughly $12.8 million in 2019-20. Looking forward, though, Nance will be set to make roughly $11.7 million, $10.7 million and $9.7 million in coming years.
To me, with him averaging what is on track for a career-best 10.1 points per game this season, to go with showing more and more continued improvement as a catch-and-shoot three-point shooter, that will be a relative bargain down the road.
Nance is a piece that I believe factors right into the Cavs seemingly looking to push the pace more in the near future, too, given his grab-and-go ability, and he’s shown more post-up polish this season.
Nance has also averaged 7.3 rebounds per game this year as a reserve, and has shown he’s a viable secondary playmaker often, with 2.2 assists per outing (including 3.2 post-All-Star) and has had 1.0 steals per contest. Plus, in coming years, he could very well be a more than competent full-time starter, particularly if the Cavs at some point look to deal Kevin Love.
Either way, though, Nance is clearly one of the Cavaliers’ best players, so he’s in the conversation when it comes to the Cavs’ three best contracts on the roster, and I have Nance at #3 right now, but his deal is not nearly the best for Cleveland at this moment.
Anyway, the two best deals on the Cavaliers’ roster currently are both rookie deals, which is not shocking, I know.