Inside The Nets

Nic Claxton's Journey into Unrestricted Free Agency

Claxton’s contract runs out by the end of the 2023/24 season, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Peter Sunjic

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Nic Claxton has become one of the most vital players in the Brooklyn Nets lineup. He serves as the primary force in the team's interior, showcasing dominance in defense and contributing points through alley-oops and put-backs.

Entering the last year of his contract, Clax is set to become a free agent in the 2024 offseason. His unrestricted status is expected to attract significant interest, both from the Nets and other teams in the league.

“With him being unrestricted, the market for Claxton should be somewhere in the 20 to 25 million annual salary,” HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto said on the Bleav in Nets podcast. “In any free agency, the free market will dictate what you’re worth.”

Claxton will command a big market

Nic is an awesome big man because he fits the role of the perfect rim-running big. He does not have the jump shot just yet to fit the fully modern big, but he has the mobility on offense and his defense is elite. He can block almost any shot put in front of him by using his long arms and amazing anticipation.

Any team would want to have him because he could boost their chances of winning more games with just his defense. Currently, he boasts an average of 2.6 blocks per game in the 2023/24 season, and also showcasing remarkable efficiency with a career field goal percentage of 67.9.

That kind of efficiency on both ends of the floor makes Clax a hot commodity. If the Nets can’t lock him down to an extension, it would be interesting to see if any other teams will step in to take a chance on the University of Georgia product.

The Nets should not let him go anywhere

Clax stands as a significant foundation for the Nets’ future success. It's vital to keep him around as a starting center, especially with his offensive growth, scoring an average of 12.2 points per game while staying efficient.

Coach Jacque Vaughn loves having Clax on his team and it will be a likely long-term partnership. Teaming up with Cameron Thomas, Mikal Bridges, and Cameron Johnson, Clax forms a formidable starting lineup. The Nets should prioritize securing his contract before the uncertainties of free agency arise.

Nic Claxton is Developing a Consistent Jump Shot

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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