The Brooklyn Nets received a significant return in exchange for former star player Mikal Bridges, who has now joined his former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo with the New York Knicks.
After losing one of their most crucial players, the Nets are now focused on securing another key player with a substantial extension. Reports indicate that Nic Claxton is close to signing a $100 million extension with the team.
Brooklyn Nets to Sign Nic Claxton to Lucrative Extension
ESPN’s NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported the news on Wednesday night.
Nic Claxton intends to a sign a four-year, $100M to return to the Brooklyn Nets, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2024
Claxton’s current three-year contract with the Nets expires this summer, and the front office clearly wants the 6-foot-11 center to remain part of their future plans.
With Bridges’ $90 million contract off the books, the Nets have the financial flexibility to invest in Claxton, who will benefit from this reallocation of funds.
Brooklyn moved quickly to secure Claxton, who attracted significant interest in free agency. To ward off competing teams, the Nets had to offer a nine-figure deal.
Last season, Claxton earned $9.6 million, so his new annual salary of roughly $25 million represents a significant raise for the 25-year-old. Claxton has established himself as a top defensive big man in the NBA, making this new contract well-deserved.
