The Brooklyn Nets Would Like To Keep This Player Long-Term
Nic Claxton had an exceptional year for the Nets this season
Even though the Brooklyn Nets missed the postseason for the first time since 2018, they still have a lot to look forward to. With the emergence of Cam Thomas and a new head coach in Jordi Fernandez, things could be looking upward. They still, however, need to make sure everyone is on board going into next season.
With the Nets’ season ending early, center Nic Claxton is now an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career. Although he is on the market, it was recently reported that Brooklyn is willing to dish out $25 million per year to keep him. Even though some might see that figure as a huge number, he definitely deserves it.
During the first three years of his career, Claxton wasn’t able to display his capabilities. He averaged only 18.7 minutes while starting in just 20 of the 94 games he played. But these last two years were a completely different story.
Claxton has been an essential piece for the Nets
The 2022-23 campaign was the best season of Claxton’s career. Despite playing on a team that had Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and, afterwards, Mikal Bridges, Claxton still played his role to a tee. He logged in a career-high 12.6 points a game, along with 9.2 rebounds and a career-high 2.5 blocks. He even finished the season ninth in the Defensive Player of the Year award voting and fifth in Most Improved Player.
He carried that production into the next season. This year, he averaged 11.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, a career-high 2.1 assists and 2.1 blocks. He even had a special night on Feb. 5 as he blocked a career-high seven shots against the Golden State Warriors.
With the talent he has in his possession along with his age, it’s understandable that the Nets would offer a huge contract.
Cory Nelson is a contributor to Fansided’s Wiz of Awes. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson, Instagram @ckenzynelson, and Threads @ckenzynelson