Nets Would Like To Re-Sign Nic Claxton

According to NBA insider Zach Lowe of ESPN, the Brooklyn Nets would like to re-sign Nic Claxton this offseason. 

Claxton becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. He’s making $8.8 million this season. 

“There is no long game here, though the Nets would like to re-sign Claxton — an ace defender and dangerous rim-runner — this offseason, per league sources,” Lowe wrote. 

Claxton is averaging 12.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.6 steals and 2.3 blocks this season while shooting 62.5% from the field, 25.0% from beyond the arc and 57.0% from the free-throw line. He has 20 double-doubles. 

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.”

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.

Claxton has career averages of 10.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.8 blocks with the Nets, who are in 11th place in the East this season with a record of 21-33. 

There were rumors that the Nets were open to trading Claxton at this year’s trade deadline. However, the front office kept the youngster.