An expiring contract can have different values for different teams around the NBA. A team may acquire a player on an expiring deal for the sake of the deal. They’re not interested in the player – they’re interested in the money they’ll save when it expires in the summer.
On the other hand, they may want the player. That complicates matters. A team may be interested in a player, but if they’re only going to leave them in free agency in the summer, they may not be willing to trade for them.
Alternatively, they may be willing to take that gamble. Moreover, that player’s value may be lessened. Take Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets. Claxton is on an expiring deal; he won’t yield the return he otherwise would.
Could the Dallas Mavericks trade for him anyway?
NBA Trade Proposal: Dallas Mavericks Land Brooklyn Nets’ Nic Claxton
Brooklyn Nets Receive: C Richaun Holmes, 2027 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected – DAL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: C Nic Claxton
An NBA general manager’s job is to know when to trade players. Hanging onto a player for too long can have dire consequences. When you finally move them, you won’t get the same return you could have.
Look at the last major NBA trade we’ve seen. The Toronto Raptors sent OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks. The return was solid – RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley both have potential. That said, the Raptors could have gotten more if they’d moved Anunoby before his deal expired.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks Updates
It was rumored that the Raptors had an offer just last season, including three unprotected firsts. Now, the Nets risk facing the same outcome with Claxton.
Should they accept this return for him?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
If the Nets trade Claxton, they’re likely punting on this season. That will be painful for this organization. The Nets owe their upcoming first-round pick to the Houston Rockets. If they move Claxton, that pick is likely to land in the lottery.
At the same time, it’s already projected to land in the lottery. That’s another reason why the Nets may not extend Claxton. He’s going to command a hefty sum in free agency – and obviously, he’s not lifting the Nets out of mediocrity. Brooklyn shouldn’t commit to this roster financially.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Meanwhile, Day’Ron Sharpe has emerged as a potential long-term starter. The Nets would do well to flip Claxton for a protected first – they can include this pick in a deal for a star player in the summer.
Should the Mavericks give the pick up?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
Let’s talk about Claxton. At times, he can struggle to guard opposing big men. Yet, that’s part of what makes him special. Claxton’s slight frame contributes to his mobility – he can guard wings and guards and bigs.
That type of defensive versatility is immensely valuable. On the offensive end, Claxton can finish pick-and-rolls – his fit alongside Luka Doncic should be pristine. Claxton can also attack defenses out of dribble hand-off sets.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks Updates
In short, Claxton is very good. So are the Mavericks. This team is close to title contention, and Claxton could put him over the top. Acquiring him is worth their time – even if he’s on an expiring contract.
