Cavaliers reward Nance

Forward Larry Nance Jr. and the Cleveland Cavaliers agreed to a $44.8 million, four-year contract extension.

The sides had until 5 p.m. Milwaukee time on Monday to work out terms for the deal or Nance would have become an unrestricted free agent in 2019.

The 25-year-old Nance joined the Cavs midway through last season after he was acquired in a trade – along with guard Jordan Clarkson – from the Los Angeles Lakers. He helped Cleveland reach its fourth straight NBA Finals, and the Cavs view him as one of their core players as they rebuild without superstar LeBron James.

Nance averaged 8.9 points and 7.0 rebounds in 24 games last season. He’s expected to share starting duties this season with Tristan Thompson as coach Tyronn Lue plans to match up with the other team’s big men.

Nance is following in the footsteps of his father, Larry Sr., who was an allstar with the Cavs from 1987-’94.

Pacers extend Turner’s contract: The Indiana Pacers signed 22-year-old center Myles Turner to a contract extension. ESPN reported it is a four-year deal worth $72 million.

The signing means Indiana will have two key players – Turner and allstar guard Victor Oladipo – under contract for the next three seasons.

Turner was taken No. 11 overall in the 2015 NBA draft and finished third in the league with 1.82 blocks per game last season. He also averaged 12.7 points and 6.4 rebounds.

Pelicans, Clippers swing deal: The Los Angeles Clippers acquired center Alexis Ajinca from New Orleans in exchange for forward Wesley Johnson.

The Clippers subsequently waived Ajinca. The 30-year-old center from France was selected 20th overall by Charlotte in the 2008 draft.