This proposed trade sends Nic Claxton to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers were clearly one of the best teams in free agency, retaining key players while also making some solid additions. While the team has limited ability to make trades as of right now, they can still make some shrewd moves that will increase their chances of winning the championship next year.
One of the players they should target is Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton. He is on an expiring $9.6 million contract. If the Nets don’t feel as though they can re-sign him to an extension in the future, then they could elect to trade him to extract some value before he leaves in free agency. This trade scenario features Nic Claxton heading to the Lakers for Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and draft compensation.
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Nic Claxton
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2030 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2030 Second-Round Pick (LAL)
Overall, this is a trade that makes sense for both teams involved, based on Nic Claxton’s current contract situation. Here is why both teams should consider making this deal in the future.
Nic Claxton Would Be An Elite Frontcourt Partner For Anthony Davis
In the regular season, it makes a lot of sense for Anthony Davis to play more power forward rather than center. That will help him avoid adding wear and tear to his body, leaving him fresh to play center in the postseason. Though the Lakers did sign Jaxson Hayes in free agency, it is clear that they need a better center that can pair well next to Anthony Davis. Nic Claxton is the perfect candidate.
During the 2022-23 regular season, Nic Claxton averaged 12.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, while shooting an incredible 70.5% from the field. There’s no doubt that he is an elite rim protector, and he is also athletic enough to guard multiple positions. From a defensive standpoint, he and Anthony Davis would make a dynamic duo, completely shutting off the paint. Adding more rebounding in the starting lineup won’t hurt either, and playing Claxton will give the Los Angeles Lakers a clear size advantage over most teams.
The main risk for the Los Angeles Lakers with acquiring Nic Claxton is his contract situation, as there is a chance that he will end up walking for nothing in free agency. With that being said, playing for a championship contender like the Lakers might appeal to Claxton, and there is a possibility that he will sign a long-term deal with the franchise. The Los Angeles Lakers also have a track record of being able to keep free agents they want due to their prime location in California, so that is something to keep in mind as well.
It is clear that Nic Claxton can be a difference-making player, and he was even in DPOY conversations when the Brooklyn Nets were among the best teams in the league. He could make a similar impact on the Los Angeles Lakers, especially when playing with other elite defenders.
The Brooklyn Nets Get A Solid Trade Package For A Player On An Expiring Deal
We have seen players on expiring contracts frequently go for a lot less than their potential value on the court. The Brooklyn Nets haven’t agreed with Nic Claxton on an extension thus far, and if the situation stays the same, the team could elect to trade him. If that happens, the Lakers can provide a competitive trade offer.
Jarred Vanderbilt is the key player component of this trade package. He is a defensive player who has some similar traits to Claxton, being able to guard multiple positions and rebound at a high level. He would likely slot in immediately as the next starting center for the Nets. Last season, Vanderbilt put up 7.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals over the course of the year.
The next component of the deal involves future assets. Jalen Hood-Schifino profiles as a solid defensive player with a good feel for the game. He could develop if given minutes at either guard position, and the Nets could definitely play him off the bench. Meanwhile, the draft compensation in this deal involves a first-round pick and a second-round pick, both conveyed in 2030. Those picks are likely to be high-value in their respective rounds, as the Lakers are unlikely to be competing in 2030.
Overall, this trade package could be a solid offer for Nic Claxton. Though the preference for the Nets is likely to keep the center, a trade makes sense if they cannot find a way to do so.
This Could Be A Solid Trade For The Los Angeles Lakers
Defense is key when trying to win a championship, and getting stops at crucial moments is clearly one of the most important things in the playoffs. Nic Claxton is a center that is truly comfortable guarding perimeter players, and his switchability will be a boon for the Lakers in a postseason setting. The team should try and acquire him if he is available, as his defensive ability clearly increases their overall chances of winning a championship. He is also a young player (24 right now) and provides them with some flexibility for the future. This is a no-brainer trade due to Nic Claxton’s talent and age.
Though it is unclear if Nic Claxton is truly available for trade right now, it wouldn’t hurt the Los Angeles Lakers to potentially make some calls about the young center. He would be an intriguing addition to the roster based on how it is constructed, and we’ll see what ends up happening in the future.
