Every team in the NBA is trying to get an edge. They want to have an identity that makes them unique from others. Yet, it’s a copycat league. When one team gets an edge, another team tries to find the same edge. In turn, the original team, to an extent, loses that edge.
Look at switch big men. They’re all the rage in the modern NBA. At one time, a big man who can guard the perimeter was exceedingly rare. If you had one, you had an edge. Now, the archetype is becoming increasingly common. With that said, some switch big men stand above the rest.
Nicolas Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets is the most switchable big in the NBA. That said, a healthy Robert Williams III of the Portland Trail Blazers gives him a run for his money. This offseason, the Boston Celtics sent Williams III to Portland. Could they replace him with Claxton?
The Trade Proposal
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Payton Pritchard, C Luke Kornett, G/F Delano Banton, 2025 First-Round Pick (BOS), 2027 First-Round Pick (BOS)
Boston Celtics Receive: C Nic Claxton
Is this the future of the big man? We’ll see. There are a lot of interesting young bigs coming through the pipeline. Most of them can defend in space, but they’re not necessarily as switchy as Claxton or Williams III. What do they look like?
Well, we’ve seen Evan Mobley. This year, we’ll get a look at Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama as well. Next season, we should get a look at Alexandre Sarr and Donovan Clingan. These guys should all be able to defend in space. At the same time, they’re all taller – and a bit slower – than Claxton. These players are more likely to focus on weak-side shot blocking than guarding the perimeter.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets & Boston Celtics Updates
This is the beauty of the NBA. The game is always evolving. Realistically, we’ll see various archetypes populate the 4 and 5 positions. With that said, With that said, the Celtics have already had a lot of success with Williams III. Could they replace him with Claxton?
Why The Boston Celtics Do The Deal
The “why” here is obvious. The Celtics flipped Williams III for Jrue Holiday. Here, they’d be replacing Williams III – while adding Jrue Holiday. At this point, the more prudent question may be, “why not?”
On the other hand, that may be obvious, too. Claxton is due for a contract extension this summer. In all likelihood, the Celtics can’t afford it. This team just gave Jaylen Brown the largest contract in the NBA. More broadly, they’ve got one of the most talented and expensive rosters in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets & Boston Celtics Updates
We don’t think that should deter them from adding Claxton. The Celtics can sort this out later. Adding Claxton should make them frontrunners for the NBA title this season. If need be, they could trade some other players to make room for Claxton during the offseason. Should the Nets help the Celtics in their pursuit of an NBA title?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
The Celtics may be a piece away from winning a title. The Nets are several pieces short. With that in mind, Claxton’s pending negotiations are a larger concern for the Nets. If they pay him, they risk committing to mediocrity.
This deal has them getting ahead of the curve. Moreover, it’s got them adding a pair of unprotected first-round picks. Following this deal, the Nets would have the most draft capital in the NBA outside of the Oklahoma City Thunder. In time, that could help them trade for a superstar.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets & Boston Celtics Updates
In the meantime, they’re adding some solid pieces here as well. Pritchard is due for an extension this summer but won’t command the sum that Claxton will. Finally, Banton still has some potential as a jumbo playmaker. That’s an archetype that’s been taking over the NBA as well.
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