‘Bold’ NBA Trade Idea Sends Nic Claxton To Lakers

One NBA analyst proposed that the Los Angeles Lakers acquire Nic Claxton from the Brooklyn Nets this offseason. 

Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Lakers and Nets:

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Nic Claxton

Brooklyn Nets Receive: SG Dalton Knecht, F Rui Hachimura, 2025 second-round pick

“It’s no secret that the Lakers need an upgrade at their starting center position, a spot they’ll likely fill via trade this offseason due to a lack of cap space,” Swartz wrote. “Jaxson Hayes is set to become a free agent. Even if he re-signs, the 24-year-old is best suited to a backup role. Claxton, 26, would be a big upgrade over Hayes. He’s a potential defensive anchor who blocked 1.4 shots per game and held opponents to a solid 58.7 percent shooting at the rim this season to go along with 10.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. Signed for the next three seasons on a contract that actually decreases by about $2 million per year, he’d be an affordable option for the Lakers in the middle.”

Claxton appeared in 70 games for the Nets this season. He averaged 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.4 blocks while shooting 56.3% from the field, 23.8% from beyond the arc and 51.3% from the free-throw line. 

The Nets and Lakers made a trade this season. Brooklyn traded Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton to Los Angeles for D’Angelo Russell and Maxwell Lewis. 

The Lakers are the third seed in the Western Conference playoffs, while the Nets missed the playoffs again. They are in rebuild mode. 

Claxton, 26, has career averages of 10.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.7 blocks. He will make $25,352,272 next season. The Nets signed Claxton to a four-year, $97 million contract in 2024.