Indiana Pacers: 3 frontcourt trade targets the team could still pursue

Larry Nance Jr. would be a perfect backup big for the Indiana Pacers

After drafting big man Evan Mobley in the 2021 NBA Draft and re-signing center Jarrett Allen on a lucrative five-year, 100 million deal, the Cleveland Cavaliers face an embarrassment of riches in the frontcourt. With Kevin Love and Larry Nance Jr. still on the roster, their big man rotation could be in for a game of musical chairs next season.

With the Cavs obviously future-directed and Love’s colossal contract a point of avoidance for almost all teams, Nance Jr.’s contract may be the easiest to move. While Cleveland values him highly with his blue collar play and guidance to their young core, squeezing him in to a loaded frontcourt rotation may affect Mobley and Allen’s development.

The Indiana Pacers should capitalize on Cleveland’s frontcourt logjam and make a run at Nance Jr. While Goga Bitadze is a serviceable backup and Isaiah Jackson is an intriguing piece, neither are tailor-made for Rick Carlisle at this juncture. With the team in win-now mode, dangling Bitadze and another salary filler, in addition to a young asset or draft compensation, could deliver them someone who can slot in as a perfect big man on the second unit.