The Atlanta Hawks have turned to Larry Nance Jr., a player who was sidelined in the rotation but never stopped putting in the work. Nance’s patience and professionalism paid off when injuries gave him the opportunity to re-enter the lineup. He came over in the trade that sent Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans. The Nance’s future on the Hawks is gaining attention as his recent performance has opened new questions for Atlanta’s front office. They now face a decision: should they keep him in the rotation to aid their season or consider his value as a trade asset?
NBA Business: Hawks Set to Make Larry Nance Decision
A Steady Presence Amidst Change
Larry Nance Jr. may be a nine-year veteran, but his recent role with the Hawks resembles that of a rookie trying to prove himself. Atlanta’s focus this season has leaned toward developing younger, long-term assets, leaving players like Nance out of the rotation. However, he continued working hard, and his efforts have not gone unnoticed. When injuries sidelined key players, Nance stepped up. Against the Washington Wizards, he demonstrated why his skill set could benefit any contending team, logging 15 points on efficient 6-of-9 shooting, hitting 3 of his 5 three-point attempts, and showcasing his versatility with four assists, three rebounds, two steals, and a block.
With such numbers, Nance has proven he can be a valuable contributor. Although primarily a forward, he’s versatile enough to fill roles at the four and even the five. This flexibility makes him an intriguing asset for Atlanta, but it also presents a challenge for the front office as they manage their roster balance and long-term strategy.
The Crowded Rotation: Hawks’ Dilemma at the Forward and Center Spots
One of the Hawks’ biggest challenges is their logjam at the power forward and center positions. With Clint Capela, Onyeka Okongwu, Jalen Johnson, and rookie Zaccharie Risacher in the mix, Nance’s role could be temporary. However, his performance in limited minutes has complicated this view. When injuries hit, he filled the gap effortlessly, stretching the floor from the center spot, a skill that adds tremendous value in today’s NBA. His presence as a floor-spacing five gives the Hawks another weapon that few players on the roster can replicate.
For the Hawks, keeping Nance in the rotation could mean more stability and depth during the regular season. But it could also mean fewer minutes for their young assets, potentially hindering their development. Atlanta’s coaching staff must now determine if Nance’s experience and skill outweigh the need to develop young players like Johnson and Risacher, who are part of their long-term plans.
Tradeability and Low Risk: Nance’s Appeal to Contenders
Nance’s $11.2 million contract makes him an appealing trade target for contending teams seeking low-risk, high-impact players. For teams like the Lakers, who lack reliable big men capable of stretching the floor, Nance could be the perfect addition. Being given the green light to shoot those many threes is key to this development in his game. His cap hit, at just 7.97% of the Hawks’ total salary, is manageable. Most teams under the second tax apron could acquire him by aggregating cheaper contracts or matching salaries.
What makes Nance worth considering for a contender? His versatility. He can defend multiple positions, stretch the floor with his outside shot, and facilitate offense with his passing. For teams that need a do-it-all big, Nance offers a rare combination of skills that could elevate their postseason runs. His skill set also allows him to integrate quickly into established systems, making him an ideal trade candidate for a contender looking to add depth without disrupting team chemistry.
It’s important to note that his contract is expiring, which will make him a sought-after trade option. For teams looking to take a swing, he offers a low-risk choice—they won’t need to trade a star to acquire him, and his contract expires in less than a season if things don’t work out. If he outperforms his contract, the team he’s on can use bird rights to sign him in the 2025 free agency. Interestingly, Capela’s contract is also expiring, so the Hawks will likely try to move at least one of their big men.
Hawks’ Decision: Rotation Fixture or Trade Asset?
Nance’s recent performances have reminded the Hawks’ front office of the value he brings to the court. They now face a key decision: keep him in the rotation or leverage his success to attract trade interest. Playing Nance regularly could stabilize the Hawks’ season and add experience to their lineup, but it might also reduce development time for younger players. Alternatively, trading Nance could secure future assets, aligning with the Hawks’ focus on long-term growth.
If Atlanta chooses to trade him, they can expect solid interest from teams seeking a versatile veteran. Nance’s skill set offers immediate impact for any roster looking to bolster its defense and spacing without a heavy financial commitment. However, keeping him could provide short-term benefits for the Hawks as they push for a playoff spot. With Nance in the lineup, Atlanta gains a proven veteran who can fill various roles and help the team weather injuries and other setbacks.
The Future of Larry Nance on the Hawks
As the Hawks evaluate their season goals and roster strategy, Larry Nance Jr.’s role remains uncertain. His contributions on the court have shown he’s still capable of being a difference-maker. Whether Nance remains much longer depends on Atlanta’s commitment to their young assets versus the immediate value of an experienced, versatile player.
In the short term, Nance could be a stabilizing presence for Atlanta, helping them contend this season. In the long term, he could help the Hawks by securing valuable trade assets or bringing back a player who fits their developmental timeline. The Hawks now face a crucial decision: keep a reliable veteran or leverage his performance to strengthen their future.
