According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Brooklyn Nets could trade big man Nic Claxton.
Claxton could be more available over the next seven days than previously advertised. The NBA trade deadline is February 8.
“I’ve heard more than once this week not to discount the idea that Brooklyn big man Nic Claxton could be more available over the next seven days than previously advertised,” Stein wrote. “There are mixed signals in circulation about the Nets’ plans with Claxton as unrestricted free agency looms this summer.”
Claxton is making $8.8 million this season. He becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason. The 24-year-old is averaging 12.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.7 steals and 2.1 blocks in 2023-24 while shooting 63.2% from the field, 33.3% from beyond the arc and 55.6% from the free-throw line.
In December, Claxton told NBA reporter Michael Scotto of HoopsHype that he loves playing for the Nets. The lefty believes his ceiling is one of the best two-way players in the league.
“One of the better two-way players in the league,” Claxton said when asked what his ceiling as a player is. “Offensively, given the opportunity, being that guy that can go out and average around 15 points. At the end of the day, I know what I’ll hang my hat on will be on the defensive side of the ball.”
The Nets are 19-28. They are in 11th place in the Eastern Conference standings. If the season ended today, Brooklyn wouldn’t even be in the play-in tournament.
Claxton’s projected salary heading into free agency is $21 million per year, according to 12 NBA executives polled by Scotto. Two of the 12 executives believe Claxton could get as high as $27 million annually, four executives think Claxton’s value is in the $20-25 million range and two executives valued Claxton at $20 million annually.
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