NBA defenses have changed dramatically. For a long time, man-to-man defense reigned supreme. The best defenders in the NBA were renowned for their ability to lock up their primary assignment. These days, there’s a new standard.
Perhaps it’s due to the new rules. In the old days, hand checking was illegal. You can’t make that type of contact with an offensive player anymore. As a result, team defense has come into fashion. Teams design complex schemes to stop opponents from scoring points. Typically, an elite defensive big man makes that job easier. If that big man can switch onto wings and guards, that job becomes easier.
For example, take Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets. He’s among the most versatile defensive bigs in the NBA. With that said, if any big man is more versatile, it may be the reigning Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. Could the Memphis Grizzlies pair the two?
The Trade Proposal
Brooklyn Nets Receive: F/C Brandon Clarke, G/F Ziaire Williams, 2024 First-Round Pick (MEM), 2026 First-Round Pick (MEM)
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: C Nic Claxton, F Royce O’Neale
Of course, the game is played on both sides of the floor. Defense is vitally important to contending NBA teams. With that said, if a team had to pick one side of the floor to dominate, they’d typically pick the offensive end.
Look at the Nets. This team has an elite defense. It’s not just the fact that Claxton is anchoring it. The Nets have one of the deepest groups of defensive wings in the NBA. Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith, and O’Neale are all outstanding wing defenders.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Yet, nobody is looking at the Nets as title contenders. They didn’t look like even a surefire playoff team following last year’s deadline. This team is lacking a true offensive focal point. With that in mind, should they really move their defensive anchor?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
Well, the Nets aren’t moving Claxton to improve their offense. This deal won’t accomplish that. This deal is about money as much as anything for the Nets.
After all, this roster is already expensive. Ben Simmons’ contract presents problems for Brooklyn. The Nets could likely move off of it, but they’d have to attach some draft capital to do it. Is that the best course of action for the Nets? Is this team good enough for them to start surrendering assets?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Meanwhile, the Nets will have to make a decision about Claxton’s contract next summer. He’s going to get paid on the open market. The Nets may want to avoid committing to this roster if it’s got an apparently low ceiling. Here, they’re flipping Claxton for a pair of intriguing young players and two unprotected first-round picks. Should the Grizzlies give that much up for the young big man?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
Don’t toss O’Neale aside here. He’s actually key to this deal for the Grizzlies. After all, this team just lost Dillon Brooks in free agency. Adding a veteran defensive wing like O’Neale to replace him could be critical to their roster construction.
Still, the main purpose here is to acquire Claxton. The Grizzlies should have the best defense in the NBA following this deal. With Claxton and Jackson Jr.’s combined versatility, there’s no offensive scheme that would break the Grizzlies. They should be dominant on the defensive end of the floor.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
They’ll need a commitment from Claxton. There would have to be an understanding that he’ll extend with the team this summer. Provided that that’s possible, this is a no-brainer for Memphis. They can’t pass on the opportunity to build a dominant team defense.
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