The Atlanta Hawks were busy last summer with their most notable move being the Dejounte Murray trade that sent him to the New Orleans Pelicans. Many expected the Hawks to miss the playoffs once again this season, but the team is looking solid so far. Over a month into the season, the Hawks are 13-12 and own the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference. Furthermore, they are the eighth-highest-scoring team in the NBA. As the team looks to make it back to the postseason, the Hawks could find themselves back in the trade market. Recent reports have suggested the Hawks could move on from center Clint Capela. However, another impending free agent, Larry Nance Jr., will potentially remain in Atlanta.
NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required) recently reported that the Hawks are seemingly not interested in trading Nance Jr.
“The Hawks continue to rebuff all trade interest in versatile veteran forward Larry Nance Jr. … just as they did throughout the offseason after Nance arrived in Atlanta alongside defensive ace Dyson Daniels in the Dejounte Murray trade.”
Furthermore, via the Bleacher Report app, Jake Fischer reported that, while the Hawks are not “actively shopping” Nance Jr., the team could still trade him depending on the return.
“I know the Hawks really like Larry [Nance Jr.]. I don’t think they’re actively shopping him,” Fischer said. “If they get some real value for him on the trade market, they would absolutely meet and probably move him.”
Atlanta Hawks Not Shopping Larry Nance Jr. Via Trade
Larry Nance Jr.’s Season So Far
The Hawks acquired the 31-year-old from New Orleans as part of the Murray trade. During his first season in Atlanta, Nance Jr. is averaging 8.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists through 10 games. Additionally, he is shooting 63% from the field and 55.2% from beyond the arc. This includes a 19-point performance that helped the Hawks upset the Boston Celtics in the NBA Cup.
With Atlanta, Nance Jr. brings a veteran presence and great energy on the court. Though his season has been limited so far, there is no denying the value he brings to the Hawks. Nance Jr. is in the last year of his two-year, $21.6 million contract. He can certainly help contenders who may have interest in him. However, it seems that the Hawks are more interested in holding on to him despite being in a contract year.
If the Hawks make the playoffs this season, Nance Jr. will have a good opportunity to showcase his full talents. The Ohio native played a solid role during New Orleans’ playoff run in 2022. Furthermore, he was a part of the Cleveland Cavaliers team that made the 2018 NBA Finals, who ultimately got swept by the Golden State Warriors.
The Last Word
The trade deadline is still a few months away. A lot can change by then. However, given the recent developments, there is a good chance Nance Jr. will remain in Atlanta for the rest of the season. Furthermore, his status in the offseason is worth following as well due to his contract. Regardless, the Hawks are playing good basketball right now. While Nance Jr. is far from a star, he is playing his role and doing it well. Keeping him past the deadline, if that is what the team opts to do, could prove to be the right decision for Atlanta.
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