Versatility is the name of the modern NBA game. That’s as true for big men as anybody else. In today’s game, a big who can guard across positions has more value than ever before.
This revolution started on the offensive end. Suddenly, we saw more big men who could shoot and penetrate than ever before. Defensive-minded big men had to adjust. Suddenly.d the ability to guard the perimeter from the 5 took on more significance. Now, we’re seeing an influx of big men who can guard the interior as well as the perimeter.
Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets may be the best example. With that said, Robert Williams III of the Boston Celtics has a similar skill set. Unfortunately, Williams III has major durability issues. Could the Celtics flip him for Claxton?
The Trade Proposal
Brooklyn Nets Receive: C Robert Williams III, 2026 First-Round Pick (BOS)
Boston Celtics Receive: C Nic Claxton
This isn’t the only major change in how NBA basketball is played. The game is always changing. Somehow, it feels like big men are always at the forefront of that change.
For some time, it felt like small ball was taking over the league. Now, size is coming back into fashion. We even see more teams leaning into dual big lineups. Granted, one of those bigs is typically equipped to guard the perimeter, but the point holds: size is back. If you don’t believe us, just ask Team USA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets & Boston Celtics Updates
This American group struggled to control the glass in the most recent FIBA tournament. They failed to receive a medal as a result. Plenty of folks are suggesting that the USA would have been wise to rely on big man Walker Kessler more. Should the Celtics continue prioritizing size?
Why The Boston Celtics Do The Deal
This isn’t a complicated deal. Williams III and Claxton are among the most similar players in the NBA. Surely, Boston likes everything about Williams III – besides his propensity for getting hurt, that is. Unfortunately, his availability is a consistent question mark.
Claxton’s is not. That’s all Boston is doing here – landing a switch big that they can count on. Granted, they’re not identical. Williams III’s superior strength allows him to hold big men more readily. On the other hand, Claxton’s superior foot speed makes him an even more versatile defender.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets & Boston Celtics Updates
Meanwhile, Boston shouldn’t worry about forking over a first-round pick. The Celtics are title contenders. Should the Nets function the same way? Should they really be giving up on Claxton?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
This is a gamble for the Nets. They could win this trade by a considerable margin or live to regret it. Realistically, it all comes down to Williams III’s health.
On the other hand, let’s assume he’s never able to stay healthy. Claxton will be due for an extension next summer. Should the Nets give it to him? This team is not equipped to compete for an NBA title. Perhaps they should avoid a commitment to mediocrity. By contrast, Williams III is on a team-friendly contract for a couple of more years.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets & Boston Celtics Updates
If he can get right, the Nets are directly replacing him here – and landing an unprotected first in the process. If he can’t, they still gain from this deal financially in addition to getting the pick. If it makes them less versatile, that may still be worth the price.
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