Nance extends deal with Cavs for four years

Larry Nance Jr. agreed to a four-year, $44.8 million extension on Oct. 15 to stay with the Cavaliers through the 2022-23 season.

Nance, an Akron native, signed his contract in a ceremony in front of Cavaliers employees on the practice court at Quicken Loans Arena after being introduced by general manager Koby Altman.

“I haven’t come up with the word for it yet,” said Nance, wearing a T-shirt with “HOME” on the front. “Surreal doesn’t even cut it. I grew up here. I grew up in this building watching my dad play.

“To re-up here for four more years and get to wear the (number) 22 in the city of Cleveland, I can’t put it into words. There’s no place I would rather be. I’m one of you guys. I really am. I’m a Cleveland guy at heart.”

Nance, 25, is part of the core group the team is counting on to help carry the Cavaliers with the departure of star LeBron James in July. The Cavaliers open their 2018-19 season on Oct. 17 in Toronto.

Nance, in his fourth season, is in the final year of his rookie contract. He had to sign the extension or agree to terms before 6 p.m. or he would have been a restricted free agent next summer.

The son for former Cavs star Larry Nance, the younger Nance was acquired at the trading deadline last February. The plan for Larry Nance Jr. is to split time at center with Tristan Thompson.

Whether Nance can contribute in the season opener is up in the air because he is battling a sprained ankle. Nance did not practice on Oct. 15 at the team’s facility in Independence.

Nance played in 24 games for the Cavs last season. He averaged 8.9 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.