Why Nic Claxton Makes Sense For the Thunder
Oklahoma City has been terrific on both ends of the floor this year. Heading into a date with Minnesota, the Thunder ranks second in the Western Conference — and the team is doing so with a balanced approach.
Chet Holmgren has given the team a serious threat in the front court, but rebounding has still been the achilles heel of this team. Outside of the former No. 2 overall pick, Oklahoma City has no depth down low to rip down rebounds. It has to be a team effort every single night, and it has cost the Thunder multiple games already this season.
The Brooklyn Nets have been on the complete opposite trajectory of the Thunder so far, and the team could be a seller when the trade deadline rolls around. Brooklyn is outside of the play-in tournament at 17-24, and despite trying to build around Mikal Bridges, it hasn’t worked out.
Royce O’Neal and Cam Johnson have reportedly been on the trade block, but the Thunder might be thinking even bigger. If the team could go after Nic Claxton, the rebounding weakness would disappear.
Claxton’s numbers have been down this season, but he’s still an incredibly capable player down low.
Brooklyn's center has averaged 12.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and 64.1% from the floor this year. Friday’s night was a display of his dominance, where he poured in 22 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks in a win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Would Claxton make sense as a trade target for the Thunder, though? It depends. Would he be willing to come off the bench? Would Holmgren be willing to slide to the power forward spot?
With Oklahoma City's current roster make up, finding a spot for Claxton seems more than reasonable. It would likely take two first-round picks to secure the rising stud, but the Thunder has a surplus of draft capital. Acquiring a proven talent like Claxton would make sense, and take the load off of Holmgren in the process.
If Oklahoma City wants to take advantage of its title window, a similar trade would be smart. It hasn't completely opened yet, but the door has been cracked just enough for the Thunder to make things interesting this season.
Want to join the discussion? Like Inside the Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.