“Business Is Business”: Major Lakers & Warriors Target Sends Nets Into Panic Mode Before NBA Free Agency

The Brooklyn Nets are an NBA franchise in flux. Following the Kevin Durant-Kyrie Irving era, which ultimately ended in disappointment, the Nets appear clueless about the direction they want to go in. Furthermore, Brooklyn’s performance during the 2023-24 season failed to instill much hope or excitement for their future. They finished the season in the 11th spot of the Eastern Conference standings, with just 32 wins from 82 games.

Despite their subpar performances this season, the Brooklyn Nets possess some quality players like Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Cam Thomas, and Nic Claxton on their roster. However, the future of their starting center Nic Claxton remains uncertain, as he will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Claxton got the chance to alleviate Nets fans’ apprehensions about his future. But his response may have added more fuel to the fire.

He said, “We’ll see. At the end of the day, business is business. I’ll have to weigh my options. I’m an UFA, so it’ll be my decision… I’ll have to talk with my family, my agents… See if that’s the best fit.”

It would be a huge loss for the Brooklyn Nets if Nic Claxton decides to sign a contract with another team. Claxton has anchored the Nets’ defense with his incredible rim protection and immense presence in the paint. Several teams like the Lakers and the Warriors have registered interest because of his defensive prowess. A move to the Bay Area looks particularly interesting for Claxton, as he provides the Warriors exactly what they need. Furthermore, the Dubs’ incredible 3-point shooting would mask Claxton’s lack of a jump shot.

How has Nic Claxton performed this season?

It has been a lackluster and disheartening season for Brooklyn Nets fans, with few highlights to speak of. However, the notable improvement displayed by Nic Claxton stands out as a positive exception amidst the team’s struggles. He has averaged 11.8 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 71 games this season. Moreover, he possesses the fifth best field goal percentage in the league this season with 62.9%.

However, Nic Claxton’s stats were slightly better during the 2022-23 season. He averaged 12.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in 76 games in 2022-23. Despite this, Nic Claxton is the fifth-highest scorer on the Nets roster, only behind the likes of Mikal Bridges, Cam Thomas, and Cam Johnson. Therefore, it will be a hammer blow for the Brooklyn Nets if they lose Claxton for nothing this offseason.

Apart from the gray clouds hanging over Claxton’s future, the Nets can’t also rebuild through the draft as most of their picks have been traded. Nets fans should brace themselves for a tough few seasons ahead. What are your thoughts? Will Nic Claxton remain with the Nets? Let us know in the comments below!