Pelicans ink Larry Nance Jr. to 2-year, $21.6M extension

The New Orleans Pelicans are extending veteran forward Larry Nance Jr. on a two-year, $21.6-million deal, his agent told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Saturday.

Nance's new contract begins in the 2023-24 campaign and ties him to the Pelicans for a total of three years and $31.3 million.

The 29-year-old joined New Orleans at last season's trade deadline, but he didn't suit up for the team until late March due to injury. Nance played a big role during the Pelicans' first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns, averaging 9.2 points and 5.8 rebounds in over 21 minutes per game.

Across seven NBA seasons, Nance has career averages of 8.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per night. He's developed the reputation of a key role player who's efficient offensively and solid on defense.

Nance will factor into a Pelicans frontcourt featuring returning star Zion Williamson and steady big man Jonas Valanciunas.