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Coming off back-to-back strong seasons for the Brooklyn Nets, Nic Claxton is expected to cash as he prepares to hit free agency.
Per Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, the 25-year-old center is “likely” going to command a contract similar to Isaiah Hartenstein, who is projected to get a deal in the range of at least $80 million and possibly in excess of $100 million this offseason.
Fischer noted personnel around the NBA “have long prepared” for the likelihood that Claxton will end up staying in Brooklyn when all is said and done.
Claxton is arguably the best center eligible for free agency this summer. Other players set to hit the market include Isaiah Hartenstein and Jonas Valančiūnas.
The center market drops off precipitously after that trio, with players like Mo Wagner, Andre Drummond and Jalen Smith being in the next tier of free agents.
Claxton, who just turned 25 on April 17, is the youngest of the top three available centers. He’s also one of the most versatile defensive big men in the NBA with the ability to capably guard all five positions.
That versatility will only help to increase Claxton’s value, but the Nets seem poised to do whatever it takes to keep him.
Nets head coach Jordi Fernández told reporters during his introductory press conference on April 24 that keeping Claxton is a “priority” for the organization because he “fits perfectly with what we want to do moving forward.”
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“He fits perfectly with what we want to do moving forward.”
– Jordi Fernández on Nic Claxton pic.twitter.com/OG6F8M5LVV
Fischer noted the Nets have an exclusive negotiating window with Claxton that begins the day after the conclusion of the NBA Finals. The free-agent moratorium period that allows players to negotiate with other teams doesn’t begin until June 30 at 6 p.m. ET.
Claxton finished fifth in Most Improve Player and ninth in Defensive Player of the Year voting during the 2022-23 season. He has averaged 12.3 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game in 147 starts over the past two seasons.
The Nets don’t have a lot of foundation pieces to build around right now. Claxton has become arguably their most valuable player and someone they can’t afford to lose if they hope to improve on this season’s 32-50 record.
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