After a week of blockbuster trades and the NBA Draft, trade rumors continue. Several teams are in need of a reliable center. The Brooklyn Nets committed to a rebuild, may part ways with one of their top assets. Nic Claxton getting traded to a contender may become a reality.
Contending Teams Eyeing Nets Center
The Nets entered the draft with five first-round picks, more than any other team. Most expected them to trade up to strengthen their roster and speed up the rebuild. Instead, Brooklyn made history by using all five first-round selections. They drafted four guards and one forward. Their four guards chosen were Egor Demin (BYU), Drake Powell (UNC), Nolan Traore (France), and Ben Saraf (ULM/Israel). They also selected forward Danny Wolf from Michigan.
Nic Claxton Trade To A Contender
While Brooklyn’s rebuilding strategy continues, Claxton’s time with the Nets may be nearing its end. The 26-year-old has been in trade rumors for months. During the season, he was vocal about wanting to win and played through injuries. Despite missing time, he averaged 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. Claxton is signed through the 2027-28 season on a four-year, $97 million deal.
Before the draft, the Phoenix Suns looked like Claxton’s next stop. until they traded for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams and drafted center Khaman Maluach. Now, teams linked to Claxton include the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and Toronto Raptors. Claxton offers elite defense, shot-blocking, and the ability to be a pick-and-roll partner to elevate any contender’s rotation. His injury history may limit his minutes, but it won’t diminish his impact on the floor.
Claxton A Fit For The Lakers
The Nets lead the league in financial flexibility and may keep clearing cap space. The Lakers rank high among teams potentially targeting Claxton. After trading Anthony Davis and falling in the first round of the playoffs, they’re desperate for a center. Despite limited resources, they could offer Brooklyn a fair deal of players and second-round picks to land Claxton.
Dan Woike of The Athletic said, “Claxton is a quality defender and has the makings of a perfect fit for the Lakers’ system. The team could benefit exponentially by developing a pick-and-roll pairing with Luka Dončić, and at just 26 years old, he could be the building block for Los Angeles that he never really had the chance to be for the Nets.”
What’s Next?
When Claxton agreed to a new deal with the Nets in 2024, he expressed optimism about the Nets future. He told Brian Lewis of the New York Post, “Brooklyn has really grown on me as a city that I’ve grown to love since I’ve been here these past going on five years. Just everything about it; the fashion, the culture, the pride that the people have here.” He continued, “We have good fans.”
In addition to a possible Claxton trade, the Nets hope to re-sign restricted free agent guard Cam Thomas. During the season, Thomas averaged 24.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. Fans weren’t thrilled with the Nets’ draft picks and remain uncertain about the team’s direction. For now, they’ll have to wait and see whether Claxton stays in Brooklyn, or gets moved.
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