Nic Claxton’s Breakout Season Revitalizes His Future as Nets Weigh Long-Term Options

When Nic Claxton spoke at his exit interview in April, he did so with humility and disappointment. The Brooklyn Nets center was coming off a season derailed by a painful back injury, one that limited his mobility and undermined his defensive identity. Claxton accepted responsibility for his struggles and emphasized that his offseason would be dedicated to healing and rebuilding his game.

Six months later, that commitment has paid off. Through the opening stretch of the 2025-26 campaign, Claxton has reasserted himself as one of the league’s most efficient and versatile big men, providing a rare bright spot for a Nets team that has stumbled to a 2-11 start. His resurgence has been a key storyline for a franchise otherwise focused on long-term development.

The 26-year-old is averaging career highs in scoring and assists while anchoring significant portions of Brooklyn’s offense. His blend of finishing, improved playmaking, and newfound confidence has reshaped how head coach Jordi Fernandez uses him within an offense lacking traditional on-ball creators.

Fernandez has praised Claxton’s energy and consistency, noting his impact extends beyond the stat sheet. As the Nets search for identity during a rebuilding season, their center’s evolution has become one of the organization’s most encouraging developments.

1. Claxton Expands His Offensive Arsenal

With Brooklyn lacking a primary initiator, Claxton has taken on a broader role, driving more often than at any point in his career. His ability to attack off handoffs, cross over slower defenders, and finish with patience has transformed him into a reliable source of halfcourt creation. He is averaging 5.8 drives per 36 minutes—far more than in previous seasons—and converting over 58% of those attempts. Claxton said he spent the offseason rebuilding his skill set after last summer’s injury prevented him from adding to his game. Much of that work centered on deceleration moves and counter-finishes, tools that now allow him to manipulate defenders and create separation inside the paint. His touch around the rim has also improved. The former Georgia standout is finishing 72% at the basket and 49% from the short midrange, matching his best marks since entering the rotation full time. A career-high 71.2% from the free-throw line has further boosted his efficiency. Perhaps the most striking leap has been his passing. Claxton’s 3.9 assists per game and 20.9% assist rate place him among the league’s most productive playmaking centers—trailing only Nikola Jokic and Alperen Sengun among high-minute big men. He has paired that with the lowest turnover rate of his career, underscoring a newfound control within Brooklyn’s offense.

2. Defensive Challenges and Recent Revival

As strong as Claxton has been on offense, his early-season defense lagged behind his usual standards. He opened the year without a single block through four games—a startling contrast for a player long known for his rim protection. During that stretch, Brooklyn surrendered 522 points, the most allowed in any four-game span in franchise history. The Nets’ aggressive defensive scheme has forced Claxton into unfamiliar positions, pulling him away from the basket to defend higher on ball screens. The approach requires precise rotations from teammates and has made it more difficult for Claxton to anchor the paint. He has acknowledged that he prefers switching and guarding multiple positions, the system in which he broke out during the 2022-23 season. Defensive rebounding has been another area of concern. Claxton’s 4.5 defensive boards per 36 minutes rank among the lowest for starting centers, contributing to Brooklyn’s last-place mark in defensive rebounding percentage. But recent performances indicate a shift. Over his last seven outings, Claxton has averaged 2.1 blocks, including a season-high four against Washington in a win Sunday night. After watching film with assistant coach Steve Hetzel before the game, he delivered one of his most active defensive performances of the season. The timing, he said, is beginning to return.

3. Trade Value Rising as Nets Near Critical Decision

With Claxton producing the best all-around numbers of his career, his name is expected to surface frequently as the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaches. At 26, he is young enough to remain a cornerstone of Brooklyn’s rebuilding effort, yet his growing value may also represent an opportunity for the organization to accelerate its long-term strategy. Claxton’s descending contract makes him especially appealing to rivals. His deal will account for less than 14% of the salary cap in both 2026-27 and 2027-28, increasing his attractiveness to teams seeking an impact center without restrictive financial obligations. Brooklyn’s depth at the position adds another layer to the decision. Day’Ron Sharpe continues to provide competent minutes as a reserve, and first-round pick Danny Wolf is viewed as a long-term developmental piece. Those factors could push the Nets toward exploring offers if Claxton’s value peaks. Whether Brooklyn decides to keep Claxton as a foundational piece or capitalize on his elevated market value remains one of the franchise’s most significant questions—and one that may shape the direction of the rebuild.