Rival executives assume Nets to retain Nic Claxton amid recent trade chatter

Per sources, Brooklyn will remain invested in the idea of having Nic long-term.

Marin Gabric | Feb 6, 2024

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Brooklyn Nets

Contrary to what the previous reports are trying to imply, it appears that the Brooklyn Nets will remain clinging to Nicolas Claxton.

Though there is plenty of trade interest now on Claxton throughout the league, HoopsHype's Mike Scotto notes that rival executives have formed an assumption that the Nets will still look to retain the big man heading to this offseason's free agency.

“Days away from the deadline, Nic Claxton has also drawn trade interest around the league, but some rival executives have come away with the belief that Brooklyn will look to retain him in unrestricted free agency this summer.”

Clax for sale?

Claxton's name suddenly appeared in the league's trade rumor mill recently when it was revealed by veteran league insider Marc Stein that Nic “could be more available” in the marketplace as Thursday's trade deadline draws near.

As it is, a significant element around Clax’s trade availability is the Nets' uncertain desire to extend their ties with him. The big man will become an unrestricted free agent this summer as his two-year, $17.2 million contract will finally expire.

Various reports estimate Nic's impending free agency value, but the ballpark figure has been residing at around $20M to $25M million annually.

Clax commits to Brooklyn

A homegrown talent for Brooklyn, Clax is averaging 12.0 points, 10.4 boards, and a whopping 3.0 blocks per game this season. He has shown promising progress throughout the years and has cemented himself as the team's defensive anchor and an important foundation of their future.

Should the Nets decide not to trade him and eventually ink him for a new contract this offseason, it will stand as a dream come true for Clax as he firmly desires to remain in Brooklyn.

“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.”

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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.