The Indiana Pacers have made a move to strengthen their frontcourt, signing veteran big man Larry Nance Jr. to a one-year, $4 million deal, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Key highlights
- Indiana Pacers have signed Larry Nance Jr. to a one-year, $4 million contract to boost their frontcourt depth.
- Nance Jr. joins Indiana after a difficult 35-game stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he averaged 3.7 points and 2.7 rebounds.
- The Pacers are preparing for the return of star Tyrese Haliburton, who missed the entire 2025-26 season recovering from an Achilles tear.
- New frontcourt pairing Haliburton and Ivica Zubac will be one of the biggest storylines next season after Zubac averaged 14.4 points, 11 rebounds and 2.2 assists in his final 43 games with the Clippers.
Pacers bring in Larry Nance Jr. to add frontcourt depth
Nance Jr. arrives in Indiana looking for a fresh opportunity after an underwhelming spell with the Cleveland Cavaliers. During his 35-game stint, the forward averaged just 3.7 points and 2.7 rebounds, with injuries limiting his impact. However, when healthy, Nance remains a reliable veteran presence capable of providing energy, defensive versatility and valuable minutes off the bench.
With the Pacers looking to manage their frontcourt rotation, Nance is expected to play an important role as a backup option behind starting centre Ivica Zubac.
Veteran leadership adds another layer to Pacers’ roster
Beyond his basketball contributions, Nance Jr. also brings an interesting connection outside the NBA. The veteran forward is a minority owner of English football club Leeds United, alongside Pacers longtime backup guard T.J. McConnell.
His arrival gives Indiana another experienced voice in the locker room as the team enters an important season filled with expectations. After reaching major highs in recent years, the Pacers are focused on building a deeper roster capable of competing while maintaining flexibility.
All eyes on Tyrese Haliburton’s return
The biggest storyline surrounding the Pacers next season, however, remains the comeback of franchise star Tyrese Haliburton. Following the signing of forward Kelly Oubre Jr. on July 1, Indiana has stayed relatively quiet during the offseason, with no blockbuster trades or major additions materialising.
Instead, the team’s biggest boost could come from within. Haliburton missed the entire 2025-26 campaign while recovering from an Achilles tear suffered during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. His return will be closely watched as the Pacers look to regain the form that made them one of the league’s most exciting teams.
Haliburton and Zubac partnership creates excitement
Another major storyline will be the pairing of Haliburton with Ivica Zubac, who joined Indiana through a February 2026 trade. Zubac’s first season with the Pacers was disrupted by injuries, limiting him to just five appearances. However, his previous performances showed why Indiana valued his presence.
In his final 43 games with the Los Angeles Clippers, Zubac averaged 14.4 points, 11 rebounds and 2.2 assists, proving he can be a productive two-way interior presence when healthy. If Haliburton returns to form and Zubac stays available, the Pacers could have a promising inside-out combination heading into the new season.
With additions like Nance Jr. providing depth and veterans supporting the core, Indiana’s next chapter will revolve around one key question: how far can this team go with Haliburton back on the floor?
