The Brooklyn Nets' approach to Nic Claxton's contract situation

Nic Claxton is in the final year of his contract with the Brooklyn Nets.

© Presse Sports-USA TODAY Sports

The Nets are in a pickle with Nic Claxton because he’s in the final year of his contract with the team. He has not signed a contract extension yet, which is leading to some Brooklyn fans getting anxious.

Claxton looks bound to be a long-term member of the Nets organization, given how much responsibility he has shouldered. He is the team’s best rim protector and most efficient offensive player, which amplifies his importance to Brooklyn. The former Georgia Bulldog looks set to stay, but his contract situation remains unclear.

He doesn't often get mentioned with the well-known Rim Protectors like Gobert, Davis, or high-interest Rookies like Chet or Wemby, but Nic Claxton is absolutely in the top-tier class of rim protectors in the league, and his D-LEBRON bares that out. The Nets are going to have to… pic.twitter.com/hzuZ97Kodq

— BBall Index (@The_BBall_Index) January 13, 2024

“He’s probably at what (Jakob) Poeltl got somewhere around four years, $80 million with Toronto. They’re just in a weird spot because Houston controls their draft picks for the next four years,” Bobby Marks said in his conversation with Hoops Hype’s Mike Scotto.

Nic will get a hefty contract offer

Claxton has previously stated that he wants to remain with the Nets. His projected salary heading into his free agency is $21 million per year.

The 6’11” big man deserves this kind of contract because of what he offers to the Nets. He is a defensive juggernaut who can switch onto smaller players and protect the rim.

Some criticisms of him are his struggles with his jump shot and free-throw inconsistency. However, Nic has made massive strides in improving his shot because he’s more willing to take mid-range shots; he has even hit a three-pointer this season.

🚨 NIC CLAXTON THREE 🚨 pic.twitter.com/fb3ZUfye96

— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) December 14, 2023

With his hard work behind the scenes, Claxton will likely earn the $20-$25 million a year deal Marks is discussing. His constant evolution on both sides of the ball has made Nic a popular figure in Brooklyn and Jacque Vaughn's system.

Other teams will be interested in Claxton

The Nets need to be active in dealing with Clax’s situation. They must convince him to sign on a good deal to make him avoid other teams in free agency. Remember, he is an unrestricted free agent, so he can talk to anyone he wants.

Brooklyn needs to give Claxton an offer because they do not want to risk losing their star center. They also must capitalize on the 24-year-old to remain in Brooklyn because it’s hard to get that kind of loyalty nowadays in the NBA.

nic claxton has had some excellent games recently, his defensive versatility still shines bright even if it's a bit less than last year

mobility, ground coverage, rim protection all standout traits pic.twitter.com/SjPM4q7cQa

— ben pfeifer (@bjpf_) January 11, 2024

The Nets are unlikely to extend Spencer Dinwiddie's contract beyond the season