Nic Claxton's losing streak against Knicks hits three years

Claxton lost his first career matchup with the Knicks in his rookie season, but he was on a six-game winning streak when he uttered the words Knicks fans might never forget. The team's crosstown rivalry ceased to be a competition as the Nets tore down their playoff team.

Before the 2023-24 season, Brooklyn dumped veterans Patty Mills and Joe Harris, then moved Royce O'Neale and Spencer Dinwiddie at the trade deadline. They moved Mikal Bridges, the prize from the Durant trade in the summer of 2024 — and sent him to the Knicks.

Nic Claxton may not be part of the next good Nets team

The Nets are highly incentivized to tank this season, since they control their own first-round pick. While they own a number of first-rounders belonging to other teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets and three from the Knicks, the Houston Rockets can swap for the Nets' picks in 2027 and 2029. That means the Nets need to be bad, right now, to maximize their draft pick.

Claxton is one of the team's few veterans signed long-term. He and Terance Mann are signed through 2027-28, with Claxton's salary declining each season. Even at 12-30, the Nets are only the fifth-worst team in the NBA, meaning further veteran trades could be happening soon, with likely candidates being Michael Porter Jr., impending free agent Cam Thomas and Claxton.

There's been no public protests or trade requests from Claxton, and he remains one of the Nets' best players, thanks to his strong defense and solid offense — 12.6 points, four assists and 2.6 offensive boards per game. But if he wants to get back to beating the Knicks again, Claxton is going to need a chance of scenery — and for Knicks fans to forget that video clip exists.