The Hawks want Larry Nance Jr. back next season, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
"Another player the Hawks are interested in re-signing is Larry Nance Jr.," Scotto reported Monday. "With that said, Nance Jr. is expected to draw interest in the free agency market from teams looking for frontcourt help."
Nance barely saw the court this season, playing in just 24 games due to a nagging knee injury.
When healthy, the 32-year-old forward put up solid numbers – 8.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists in about 19 minutes per game. His shooting was particularly impressive, hitting 51.6% overall and a career-best 44.7% from three-point range.
He showed flashes of his potential in December, dropping 21 points and grabbing 13 rebounds against Sacramento.
The 10-year NBA veteran has bounced around the league, playing for the Lakers, Cavaliers, Trail Blazers, Pelicans, and now the Hawks. Throughout his career, he’s been a reliable role player, averaging 7.7 points and 6.1 rebounds while shooting an efficient 53.9% from the floor.
Hawks Also Hope to Keep Caris LeVert
Nance isn’t the only player Atlanta wants to bring back. The team is also interested in re-signing Caris LeVert, who became a key bench contributor after coming over from Cleveland.
LeVert made the most of his opportunity in Atlanta, averaging 14.9 points in 26 games as a reserve. The 30-year-old guard shot a respectable 48.2% from the field.
His strong play has likely driven up his price tag, with rival teams expected to offer something close to the non-taxpayer mid-level exception – about $14.1 million.
Fortunately for the Hawks, they hold LeVert’s Bird rights, meaning they can exceed the salary cap to keep him. The team also has several other financial tools at their disposal, including the $5.1 million biannual exception and four trade exceptions totaling over $45 million.
Trae Young’s Future Hangs in the Balance
The biggest question mark for Atlanta’s future is what happens with Trae Young.
The four-time All-Star has been the face of the franchise since 2018, but the Hawks have a tough decision ahead. Young is eligible for a massive four-year, $229 million extension that can be signed anytime before next June 30.
Had he made an All-NBA team this season, that number would have jumped to a staggering five-year, $345 million super max deal.
If Young and the Hawks don’t reach an agreement this summer, he could potentially hit free agency next year – but only if he turns down his $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season.
