Cavs have a “a ton” of interest in signing Larry Nance Jr. to an extension

Aside from LeBron James, the Cavs have several decisions to make this summer. One of them: whether or not to offer Larry Nance Jr. a contract extension.

According to Joe Vardon of cleveland.com, the Cavs have internet in signing Nance to an extension this summer when he becomes eligible to do so heading into the final year of his rookie contract. Per the report, their is interest on Nance’s side as well and the Cavs have told Nance they view him as a foundational piece moving forward. Next season, he will make $2.3 million.

Nance, 25, was acquired by the Cavs from the Lakers at the trade deadline and has a real connection to Cleveland, as his dad played for the team and he went to nearby Revere High School. He averaged 4.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in his first playoff run, but was out of the rotation for part of Cleveland’s run to the Finals. He can sign up to a four-year extension with the Cavs.

Signing Nance to an extension is not a top priority for the team — LeBron’s free agency comes well before anything else — and if the two sides can’t come to a deal, Nance Jr. would likely become a restricted free agent next summer. In that scenario, the Cavs could match any deal he gets on the open market.

But signing Nance does makes sense. He’s not only a useful player no matter what comes next, but will be popular with the fans and wants to be in Cleveland. There’s value in that.

Cleveland.com also reports that to-be restricted free agent Rodney Hood is liked by the Cavs, but the team has indicated one way or another if they’ll ink him to a deal this summer. The Cavs have until June 29 to issue Hood a qualifying offer of $3.4 million.