The Celtics are just three days away from the NBA trade deadline, but their search for a big man continues. Boston has been connected to a host of centers over the past few weeks, but one new name mentioned by Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints is Nets center Nic Claxton.
Claxton joins Ivica Zubac, Daniel Gafford, Day’Ron Sharpe and Yves Missi as big men that Boston has reportedly inquired upon in the past weeks.
Claxton, 26, has spent his entire career with the Nets. He’s currently in the second-year of a four-year contract signed before the 2024-25 season, earning $25.3 this year. However, the contract structure is descending, so he will be earning less ($23.1 million, $20.9 million) in his next two seasons.
The Nets center is currently averaging 12.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists for a rebuilding Brooklyn squad that has been shopping several veterans ahead of the trade deadline. His high salary would require Boston to send out significant money in any potential deal (likely Anfernee Simons).
It makes sense for Boston to do their due diligence on Claxton and other potentially pricey bigs, but his long-term contract and salary provide some potential roadblocks to a deal. Boston has been hesitant about taking on long-term money in a deal for Simons, according to multiple reports, so it’s unclear if Claxton is the caliber of center they would be willing to do that for.
His lack of 3-point shooting range (19.2 percent in his career) also makes him a bit redundant to Neemias Queta from an offensive standpoint. However, the market for Claxton could be soft around the league given his salary and skillset.
The NBA trade deadline is 3 p.m. ET on Thursday.
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