Predicting where the NBA's top 20 free agents will play in 2024–25
By Dalton Sell
11. Nic Claxton - Brooklyn Nets
When putting together this list, there was some consideration of putting Nic Claxton to the Thunder, but Fischer's report about Hartenstein and Oklahoma City put a stop to that. According to that report, personnel across the league are prepared for the young, defensive-minded center to remain with the Brooklyn Nets rather than take his talents elsewhere.
More so than any other team in the association, the Nets know what Claxton brings to the table as one of the game's most versatile centers. He's a defensive ace, providing excellent rim protection while also being incredibly switchable with his matchups. A gambling man might pitch him as the early favorite for the 2024-25 Defensive Player of the Year.
If the Nets truly want to make the leap to contention, they have many other needs, but retaining their starting center should be a priority. At 25, he's still incredibly young and could grow even further. He will be due for a hefty raise, and it would be shocking if the Nets opted not to pay the price, as losing Claxton would set them back quite a bit. The franchise cannot afford that right now.
Expect a deal to get done between Brooklyn and Claxton swiftly into free agency.