Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton. Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Nets' top free-agent priority revealed

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 4/25/24

The Brooklyn Nets will enter the offseason hoping to improve their roster. They finished 11th in the Eastern Conference this season, missing the play-in tournament by four games.

Mikal Bridges has proven himself to be the franchise's star player. However, finding some additional high-level talent is likely high on the agenda.

Nevertheless, Brooklyn general manager Sean Marks has confirmed that retaining Nic Claxton is the Nets' top priority entering the free-agency period.

“Nic is the No. 1 priority for us, there’s no doubt about that," Marks said. "We hope he’s a Net for a very long time. We hope we can continue to build around him and with him."

Nets GM Sean Marks on Nic Claxton: “Nic is the No. 1 priority for us, there’s no doubt about that. We hope he’s a Net for a very long time. We hope we can continue to build around him and with him.” pic.twitter.com/Q8eUh2pGRj
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) April 24, 2024

Claxton, 25, was drafted by the Nets with the 31st pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. He has developed into one of the most athletic rim-runners in the NBA.

This season, he averaged 11.8 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 62.9 percent from the field. His athleticism also makes him a valuable defender around the rim. He averaged 2.1 blocks per game this season.

Brooklyn already has its primary offensive talent in place. Marks' comments make it clear that Claxton is seen as a vital part of the Nets' rebuilding plans. He can operate as a rim-protector and rim-runner and be a reliable space creator with his screening ability. With such a varied skill set, Claxton will be key to developing a team capable of making the playoffs.

Of course, Claxton will likely be looking for an increase on the $8.75 million he's been earning for the past two seasons. He's a more well-rounded player than he was when he signed that deal.

As such, it will be interesting to see if the Nets can secure the services of their homegrown talent or whether another team from around the league can poach Claxton with a higher offer.

If they fail to secure their top priority, the Nets will need to move fast; otherwise, they will risk going backward.

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