Cavs shouldn’t consider suggested potential trade offer for Larry Nance Jr. from C’s

Larry Nance Jr. has shown continous growth for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

I can’t overstate how impressive it’s been to have seen Larry Nance Jr.‘s progression offensively for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Firstly, that’s been in relation to Nance demonstrating the capability to hit catch-and-shoot three-point attempts.

In his first full season with Cleveland in 2018-19, in his first season taking them with regularity, Nance hit 33.7 percent of his triple attempts, which was a positive. Last season, he took that a step further, too, as Nance hit a respectable 35.2 percent from deep, which played right into him having yet another career-best 10.1 points per game in 2019-20.

Nance’s much-improved handle displayed during this now-past season definitely aided him on-ball as a driving threat as well, and what Nance has shown as a highly capable passing big these past two seasons has also been great to see.

Plus, it’s evident that Nance is one of Cleveland’s best defenders, both on and off-ball, and is one of the squad’s best rebounders, so he appears to be a core member of the squad looking onward.

To me, that’s why it wouldn’t make sense for the Cavaliers to consider a potential trade offer for Nance’s services from the Boston Celtics. Per a report from The Athletic‘s John Hollinger (subscription required), given Boston’s tough near future financial outlook, most notably seemingly involving a likely Jayson Tatum big-time pay day and luxury tax penalties, Hollinger hit on how the C’s will look to deal first-round picks.

They have three of them, and could look to move at least one, along with some pieces on team-friendly deals; Enes Kanter would appear likely to be moved, but it’s unclear if he’ll pick up his $5 million player option.

In any case, it’s clear Boston could be in the market for a natural 4 man that is a high quality established player, either way, and that’s what led Hollinger to Nance, who he deemed the “most obvious target,” realistically via trade.

Anyway, the potential deal Hollinger suggested for Boston was them adding Nance, who is set to make $11.7 million next season and then is declining from there, in exchange for Boston’s #14 pick, Kanter and project big Vincent Poirier.

The idea is for Boston, in this scenario, to be below the 2021-22 luxury tax line, with Hollinger noting other scenarios throughout. For the Cavs, though, this is not something they should be considering.

Don’t consider this potential deal, Cavs.

The Cavaliers again, shouldn’t be looking to accept this proposed deal from Hollinger. Enes Kanter is a quality interior bench scorer and roller, and had a solid 8.1 points in 16.9 minutes per game in 2019-20, but he’d be a defensive liability, if Kanter were involved here by opting in. And with the financial landscape, and Kanter not being a perimeter shooting threat, he definitely could, one would think.

But would Kanter get consistent minutes? I wouldn’t imagine so, with Kevin Love and seemingly Andre Drummond in the fold, and as a defensive liability on a team not filled with plus defenders? Yikes.

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Poirier, meanwhile, could be a nice rim protector to have for Cleveland, as evidenced by him having 2.5 blocks per-36 minutes, and he has post-up ability in spurts. But Poirier is by no means someone that’d be a key offensive threat, and is another non-floor spacer.

So moving along, the obvious centerpiece here would be the suggested pick from Boston.

Cleveland could perhaps, along with their #5 selection and potentially a wing such as Auburn wing Isaac Okoro or maybe USC big Onyeka Okongwu, look to add a prospect such as Vanderbilt wing Saddiq Bey, or Florida State 3/4 Patrick Williams.

While I am fans of both as defenders and Bey, in particular, as an offensive threat, why would the Cleveland Cavaliers value that over Nance, who they extended not too long ago?

Nance is a player that as noted, has continually improved since that point, and consistently provides energy night-in and night-out.

Plus, he’s seemingly an emerging leader for the Wine and Gold, and he’s one of the club’s most versatile players, as evidenced by him even showing the ability to play the 3 at times even post-All-Star break for Cavs head coach J.B. Bickerstaff in his initial time in that role leading into the COVID-19-induced hiatus.

While I can understand where Hollinger is coming from with this suggestion, I don’t see the Wine and Gold really considering this trade. Nance for essentially that Boston pick and filler, and/or just an expiring Kanter wouldn’t be wise for them.

I’d be more than fine if Cleveland potentially looked to add a second-round pick via purchase and/or dealing of a future second-round pick, but adding that #14 pick with the other two pieces involved for Nance wouldn’t make sense.

Please don’t consider this if the proposal were to potentially come, Cavs.