This season, Nets center Nic Claxton has been the team’s vocal leader, stressing the importance of winning games. Additionally, he has worked on improving his defensive skills. However, even in the first year of his four-year, $97 million contract, there remains a Claxton trade possibility this summer.
Possible Nic Claxton Trade This Summer
Claxton, 25, joined the Nets as their 31st overall pick in the 2019 draft. Injuries, team losses, and suspensions from flagrant fouls have marked his 2024-25 season. Despite these challenges, he averages 10.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists during this difficult season.
The Nets are looking to rebuild. They are 23-50 this season and will likely miss the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Their recent losses have boosted the franchise’s chances of securing a high lottery pick.
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report listed Claxton as a potential trade candidate during the offseason. He wrote, “The Nets seem like obvious wheelers-and-dealers for a few different reasons. For starters, this roster needs a significant refresh.” Rumors suggest the Nets may use draft picks and cap space to acquire a star player. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported, “The Nets, currently projected to have more than $60 million in cap space next summer, are planning on going star searching either in free agency or by using that room to acquire a big name via trade.”
Claxton Trade Possibility This Summer
The Nets have faced this stage before and understand the rebuilding process. They currently own 31 draft picks over the next seven drafts. If they trade Claxton, they might secure additional picks from teams needing a center like the Lakers, Clippers, Kings, Pelicans, or Suns.
Sam Vecenie of The Athletic pointed out that Claxton’s numbers were down this season, and the Nets would entertain trade conversations about him. Per Vecenie, “Frankly, this has been a bit of a down season for him, though his rim-running and finishing could perk back up with better playmakers than he has in Brooklyn. But teams in the Claxton market will mostly want his defense, as it can be among the most versatile and impactful at the center position.”
Nets’ Future Could Include Lottery Pick
If the Nets land a lottery pick in this draft, they could draft players such as Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, or Ace Bailey. Flagg, currently the most talked-about name in college basketball, just finished his first regular season at Duke. Flagg averaged 18.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. Although Cam Johnson already holds the starting forward spot, adding Flagg could transform the Nets’ rotation significantly. This impact may depend on whether the team retains Nic Claxton.
The Nets must also decide if Cam Thomas fits into their plans. Before injuries ended his season, Thomas was the team’s leading scorer, averaging 24 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. Thomas has made it clear that he would like to remain with the team.
Decisions
The Nets will make key decisions before the draft and during the summer to shape their future. Claxton has brought energy and hard work since being drafted in 2019. The team must address roster gaps and determine if they will pursue a superstar to strengthen the organization. For now, Claxton’s future with the Nets is uncertain.
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