Nic Claxton sticks committed to Brooklyn amid trade murmurs

Clax does not mind the outside noise as he would like to remain in Brooklyn.

© Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Recently, league circles were intrigued upon knowing that Nic Claxton could be a wildcard piece as the season's trade deadline looms. According to veteran league insider Marc Stein, the Brooklyn Nets center might see his name even more in the trade rumblings before Feb. 8.

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

Regardless of the sudden narratives that existed and the outside noise that continues to swirl, Nic made it known that his heart is fully for Brooklyn only

Committed to Brooklyn

As an impending unrestricted free agent, there has been an ongoing serious debate with how the Nets will try to retain the service of Claxton. He earned his case as one of the premier young bigs of the game and a defensive presence down low by averaging 12.4 points, 2.2 blocks, and a career-best 10.5 rebounds in the 38 games that he played this year.

While he couldn't entirely handle the uproar of everything and the uncertainty of his future in the team, Clax can only remain professional and committed to the Nets.

“Honestly, that’s all out of my control. I want to be here,” Claxton said. “So, at the end of the day, I just have to be present, be where my feet are, and just be a professional.”

Brooklyn has to rethink their possible trade plans for Nic

There were initial projections that Clax could net from $21M up to $27M of a yearly salary in his upcoming contract. Meanwhile, an agent estimated that the center could secure a contract that is similar to the four-year $90 million deal that teammate Cam Johnson inked last offseason with the Nets.

The Nets have to deeply contemplate their regard towards Claxton. Nic has established himself as the team's center of the future with how he fits into their current contending timeline. Should a trade happen that involves him, Brooklyn will endure a massive hole in their paint presence, and the market has been low in producing available bigs as a replacement.

VINTAGE CLAX 🚫 pic.twitter.com/esQaJimm4v

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 15, 2023

As such, a Clax departure can only trigger a rebuild that the organization clearly doesn't want to pursue.

Ben Simmons loved playing in front of the Philadelphia crowd