Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton is in the midst of what is arguably the best season of his career which is understandably drawing him plenty of attention in the trade market. With Brooklyn still in the early stages of its rebuild, veterans like Claxton have been talked about in trade rumors, but there is reason to believe that he could remain with the organization for the near future.
“Nic Claxton, I’ve heard there was exploratory interest earlier with the Golden State Warriors, obviously the Indiana Pacers, who I touched on, called as well,” HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto said of Claxton during an appearance on “The Putback” with SNY’s Ian Begley. Scotto was asked for his take on various Nets players, including Claxton, and the insider seems to believe that the former Georgia Bulldog could be sticking around after the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
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“But, I did not get the sense that anything was close there at this point,” Scotto continued, noting that there isn’t an imminent indication of a deal sending Claxton to the Pacers or Warriors. “For Nic, his contract descends. So, for Brooklyn, there’s no immediate urgency now to move him, and he could be a part of their outlook going into next season.”
Claxton, 26, is averaging 12.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 58.4% from the field and 64.7% from the free-throw line in 41 games played this season. Most of Claxton’s counting stats are career-high per-game marks for him, especially as he’s showing his ability to affect the game on both ends of the floor for one of the youngest teams in the NBA.
Scotto has reported throughout the season that Claxton has drawn interest from teams like the Warriors and Pacers, two teams looking for a starting-level center, but there doesn’t seem to be much reporting over how much those teams are willing to give up for him. Either way, Claxton is playing the best basketball of his career for the rebuilding Nets and time will tell if he will be doing that after the February trade deadline.
This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Could Nets’ Nic Claxton stay beyond February NBA trade deadline?