Inside The Nets

Nic Claxton is involved in potential trade rumors because of impending free agency

Claxton might be involved in a surprise trade ahead of the deadline.

Marin Gabric

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Most of the trade talk surrounding the Brooklyn Nets has been about Dorian Finney-Smith, Royce O’Neale, and Spencer Dinwiddie. But a recent report from Marc Stein has shown that Brooklyn’s starting center Nic Claxton might get involved in a trade.

It is a surprise because Nic has been a spectacular center this season, averaging 12.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks. The former Georgia Bulldog is in the last year of his contract, which could’ve played a role in exploring this scenario in Brooklyn.

“I've heard more than once this week not to discount the idea that Brooklyn big man Nic Claxton could be more available over the next seven days than previously advertised,” Marc Stein said on The Stein Line. “There are mixed signals in circulation about the Nets' plans with Claxton as unrestricted free agency looms this summer.”

Nic will benefit any team that trades for him

Clax is one of the NBA’s best rim protectors while holding his own as one of the best switch-defense bigs in the league. Getting Claxton in a trade will benefit any team because he is already a phenomenal defender and a superb offensive player.

The 24-year-old shoots at a 66.8% clip in his career, making him one of the most reliable big men scorers. He mostly thrives using alley-oop dunks and putbacks, but Clax has maintained his efficiency after integrating hook shots and mid-range jumpers into his game.

The mix of elite defense with an efficient offense should pique any team’s interest. There are no reports of teams pining for a Nic trade yet, but if the Nets open the door for trade talks, the possible suitors are looking for a center with his skill set.

The Nets should re-sign Nic soon

The impending unrestricted free agency is the point of contention between Claxton and the Nets organization. It will be hard to re-sign him when other teams would break the bank to sign him on a long-term deal. However, the Nets have Clax’s Bird rights, which means they can pay more than any team.

Brooklyn has to decide soon because a potential trade must happen in the next few days before the deadline. Claxton will be in charge of his future with the impending free agency, but staying with the Nets is not a bad idea since he’s playing a big role while potentially earning plenty of money.

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Marin Gabric
MARIN GABRIC

Marin's love for writing developed in high school but was furthered in college when he took a number of creative writing courses. Doing sports writing felt like an extremely natural continuation, as it furthered his passions in both writing and basketball.  Marin loves the feeling of looking at stats after a game and analyzing what each team could've done better or what they excel in compared to the rest of the league. And the ability to do so for his favorite team, the Brooklyn Nets, is quite special in itself. 

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