The Brooklyn Nets have a lot to think about with the NBA trade deadline being less than one week from now (Feb. 8). As they continue their rebuild in a pivotal time for the franchise, it’s possible that someone unexpected could be moved.
NBA reporter Marc Stein reported via his Substack on Thursday that Nets center Nic Claxton could be “more available” for a trade than the public has been led to believe about his status. Claxton is in the final year of his rookie contract and based on his performance over the last two seasons, he is expected to command at least $20 million annually during his free-agency this summer.
Claxton has been the anchor of Brooklyn’s defense over the last two seasons and he has also shown considerable improvement in his offensive game. At the moment, Claxton’s value on the court is as a lob threat, occasional scorer in the post, and a defender who can switch onto any position as well as defend the rim at an elite level.
Stein also noted in his piece that there are “mixed signals” about what Brooklyn plans to do regarding Claxton as he approaches free-agency. Claxton, 24, is averaging 12.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 63.2% from the field.
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