As of Wednesday afternoon, Pacers free agency continued with another signing, adding big man Larry Nance Jr., improving the team’s bench depth. Nance will join Indiana on a one-year, $4 million deal. More than likely, as the Pacers’ last addition in free agency, Nance will join the team and contribute to its already deep bench, providing veteran experience at center and forward.
Pacers Free Agency: What Larry Nance Jr. adds to Indiana
The Pacers made another addition in free agency after signing Kelly Oubre Jr., who will be a good fit for Indiana. Nance, who can play both forward and center, will probably see more time at center on the Pacers’ roster. Indiana already has Ivica Zubac and Jay Huff at center, so Nance will now have to find his role among the younger talent.
Nance, who has already spent 11 seasons in the NBA, most recently with the Cleveland Cavaliers, has seen his production decrease over the past few years. In 35 games last year, Nance averaged 3.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1 assist in 12.8 minutes per game. Despite his low numbers from last season, Nance has been a solid bench player and occasional starter throughout his NBA career.
Free agent C/F Larry Nance Jr. has agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with the Indiana Pacers, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/VaSyOgtj87
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 8, 2026
The Pacers’ free-agent addition will join an Indiana team known for its deep bench, further bolstering its rotation and depth. Don’t expect Nance to see much playing time; however, he does bring veteran experience as an option for the Pacers. The 6-6, 245-pound center will be in the backup mix with Huff and Potter and may fill in as a forward when needed, though that is less likely.
Pacers to Waive Micah Potter
With the signing of Nance Jr, the Pacers are planning on Micah Potter, per Tony East of Forbes Sports. Potter, coming off his most productive NBA campaign, had a completely nonguaranteed $2.8 million deal for the season. The Pacers made the move due to financial constraints, as they are hardcapped at the first apron.
“The Indiana Pacers plan to waive center Micah Potter, creating an open roster spot and financial flexibility,” East said. “After signing wing Kelly Oubre using the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, the Pacers became hard-capped at the first salary cap apron, meaning there is no circumstance in which their total team salary can exceed $209.015 million during the 2026-27 campaign. But after the Oubre addition, the Pacers’ total roster cost plus incentives sat at $207.13 million, meaning they could fit in less than $2 million more of team salary.”
The Benefit of signing Nance
Nance is a solid rebounder, and he plays with high effort and physicality, which fits in perfectly in the Pacers’ system. Indiana enjoys adding players who can play relentlessly and keep up with the fast pace, and Nance’s physicality fits well with the Pacers’ style. Rebounding has been a struggle for Indiana over the past few years. With the Pacers’ free-agent addition of Nance, the team will have more stability on the boards off the bench, addressing an offseason need. When Zubac, who is a great rebounder, is off the court, Nance can fill in and provide solid rebounding for the team.
Off the court, Nance makes for a valuable addition to the Pacers’ locker room. Indiana can look to the longtime veteran as a leader and mentor for younger players, which is always a benefit for teams. Nance has earned a reputation as a strong veteran presence and leader throughout his NBA career, joining the team as the 2nd-oldest player behind T.J. McConnell.
What’s next for Indiana
The Pacers’ free-agent addition of Nance Jr. is probably the last move they will make. Indiana will now look to figure out how to work around their first apron salary cap, going slightly over after adding Nance. Look for the Pacers to possibly waive a player or make a small trade to free up salary cap space after adding Nance as part of their free-agent moves.
Nance was a small move for Indiana, but he adds depth and veteran leadership to the team as Indiana looks to continue improving its roster ahead of the upcoming season. The Pacers’ free-agent additions weren’t the biggest moves, but they were necessary and are steps in the right direction if Indiana wants to find its way back to the NBA Finals.
Photo Credit: Brad Penner, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
