Will the Pelicans be able to re-sign Larry Nance Jr?

The New Orleans Pelicans’ season changed when they made the trade for CJ McCollum, which also brought veterans Larry Nance Jr. and Tony Snell.

I thought Nance Jr. was the most underrated part of the trade, as he is a tough, versatile veteran who can provide backup for the Pelicans at several positions and give them the lineup flexibility to go big or small.

He seemed to enjoy his short time in New Orleans and was playing crunch-time minutes for the Pelicans in the playoffs, something he hopes to be doing again next season.

But beyond that is anyone’s guess, as Nance Jr. will become an unrestricted free agent after next season.

The Pelicans also have a roster that is going to be a lot more expensive once Zion Williamson‘s extension kicks in, so will the Pels be able to retain Nance Jr. beyond next season?

The answer is that it depends.

New Orleans Pelicans: Complications of re-signing Larry Nance Jr.

I am getting way ahead of myself here, as I am assuming that Nance Jr plays well (and enough) to be a major contributor to a playoff team next season.

Nance Jr. only played 46 games this season and 35 the season prior, so he is not the most reliable player when it comes to staying healthy. Availability is an ability the Pels need to target, so if Nance Jr. only plays in 45 games next season, they may have to look elsewhere.

But if Nance Jr. plays 65+ games and is a key part of the rotation, there will be mutual interest in bringing him back.

Whether that is possible depends on two factors: how much money Nance Jr. will command and what the Pelicans do with Jaxson Hayes and Devonte’ Graham.

If the Pelicans extend Hayes this offseason for a number close to what Nance Jr. is getting now, it’s hard to see any way for them to keep Larry unless he was willing to play for the league minimum. Even at age 30, he can probably get at least a mid-level exception or more on the open market.

Graham’s contract has three more seasons (two of them guaranteed) and he too makes around the same as Nance Jr. Once Zion’s contract kicks in, it will be hard to keep all three of them on the roster, so if the Pels can trade Graham or end up not extending/re-signing Hayes, it won’t be a problem, but if they keep them both, Nance Jr’s time in New Orleans may be over after next season.