Sometimes, NBA teams avoid a flight risk. They don’t want a player on an expiring contract in a trade. After all, there’s no guarantee that the player will stick around when their contract expires.
At the same time, a player on an expiring deal can present a buy-low opportunity. A team may acquire a player with hopes of keeping them. With that said, at a discounted rate, they may be willing to risk watching them leave. If they have short-term aspirations, that’s especially true.
Look at Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets. He’s on an expiring contract. That will limit his trade value, but at the same time, a title hopeful could be interested in landing him. Could that title hopeful be the Golden State Warriors?
NBA Trade Proposal
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G/F Gary Payton II, 2026 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: C Nic Claxton
With that said, calling the Warriors title hopefuls may be generous. This team doesn’t look like they have a chance to win the NBA championship in 2023-24. Realistically, they’d be lucky to even make the playoffs.
Yet, it’s hard to write the Warriors off. They’ve earned some trust. This team has been a dynasty for a decade. Surely, we can’t write them off as contenders yet – can we?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors Updates
We’re not sure. Dynasties end. What’s clear is that this Warriors team has reached an inflection point. They could call the dynasty off or try to extend it. What does this deal do for them?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
Frankly, this deal could help the Warriors in the present and the future. Claxton is only 24. Even if the Warriors want to turn to the future, they could justify bringing him on board as part of their young core.
That could mean sacrificing Klay Thompson this summer. He’s also on an expiring deal. The Warriors could afford to retain Claxton if they let their longtime cornerstone walk. Given Thompson’s current production level, that could be what’s best for the organization.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors Updates
Meanwhile, Claxton is exactly what the Warriors need for the upcoming stretch run. His ability to guard across positions should make him a lethal defensive pairing alongside Draymond Green. Claxton is able to protect the rim in a way that no current Warrior is. Should the Nets help the Warriors set that defense up?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
Like the Warriors, the Nets are middling. Unlike the Warriors, they don’t have the same flexibility. This team owes their first-round picks to the Houston Rockets through to 2027. The Nets can’t rebuild as easily as the Warriors.
For some, that’s a reason to hang onto Claxton. Fair. On the other hand, should the Nets pay his next contract when they’re so mediocre? Shouldn’t they flip him for some draft capital and try to trade those assets for a star in the summer?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors Updates
That’s the plan here. Payton II’s deal is inconsequential – the Nets are flipping Claxton for a lightly protected pick. That’s a good return for him – after all, Claxton is on an expiring contract.
