Brooklyn Nets reportedly comfortable paying Nic Claxton $25 million per year

The Brooklyn Nets could have dealt center Nic Claxton at February’s trade deadline. The fact that they didn’t, even with the 24-year-old’s impending status as an unrestricted free agent, spoke volumes about the franchise’s plans for its big man.

Claxton was the 31st overall pick in the 2019 draft, and in the five seasons since, has developed into one of the league’s best defensive centers. He’s an explosive rim-protector with the athleticism to switch screens around the perimeter or play drop coverage.

He’s also shown a burgeoning offensive game as a strong rim-runner with some flashes of a post arsenal and a mid-range floater.

And he’s priority No. 1 this summer for the Nets given the franchise’s reported willingness to shell out some serious cash to keep him in Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Nets willing to pay up to $25 million per year to re-sign Nic Claxton

“Sources indicate that Brooklyn is very confident in their ability to re-sign Clax, even if the annual value on the contract approaches $25 million.”

More from @LucasKaplan_ in @NetsDaily’s off-season report 👇https://t.co/gAKDYJz3tl

— Anthony Puccio (@APOOCH) May 6, 2024

Per Lucas Kaplan of NetsDaily, Brooklyn is ready to pay Claxton above market value if that’s what it takes. A $25 million-per-year deal would make the Georgia product the 10th-highest-paid center in the NBA, just above fellow big men Brook Lopez and Clint Capela. That feels fair given Claxton’s skill set and age.

The 6-foot-11 lefty had a breakout season in 2022-23, finishing fifth in Most Improved Player voting and ninth in Defensive Player of the Year voting. He averaged 12.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.5 blocks with an effective field-goal percentage of 70.5.

He regressed slightly last season but still nearly averaged a double-double and blocked more than two shots per game.

The Nets have no appetite for regression. Over the past two seasons, they’ve rebuffed any trade offers for Claxton and Mikal Bridges and signed Cam Johnson to an extension. Keeping a young, emerging center around as part of the franchise’s future core makes sense for Brooklyn.

Thank you for reading The Dunk Central. Please follow us on Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite teams and players. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing NBA outlets!