During exit interviews, Nic Claxton spoke highly of the Nets - the only team he’s played for in his five seasons. As a first-time free agent, he knew the decision wouldn’t be easy. On Thursday, Claxton chose to stay in Brooklyn as he’ll sign a four-year, $100 million contract, per multiple reports.
It keeps the center locked in with the team that drafted him in the second round in 2019. “Brooklyn has really grown on me as a city that I've grown to love since I've been here these past going on five years,” Claxton said in April. “Just everything about it -- the fashion, the culture, the pride that the people have here.
” Free agent contracts won’t become official until July 6. However, teams have been able to negotiate with their own free agents since June 19. Claxton grew from a raw prospect into a defensive anchor for the Nets the last two seasons.
He was eighth in the NBA with 2.1 blocks per game last season after averaging 2.8 in 2022-23 and finishing fifth in Most Improved Player voting.
As the Nets’ longest tenured player, he understands the team’s culture has evolved from playing with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to the new-look era led by Mikal Bridges last season. With Bridges now traded to the Knicks, he becomes entrenched as one of the team’s faces. He’s also earned praise from new coach Jordi Fernandez, who singled him out during his introductory press conference.
“I think he's scratched the surface on who he could end up being one day,”.
