Latest news with #Claxton
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers Can Resolve Frontcourt Depth Issues By Acquiring Athletic Big And Reliable Wing
Lakers Can Resolve Frontcourt Depth Issues By Acquiring Athletic Big And Reliable Wing originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the most mentioned teams in the trade market and free agency heading into the offseason. Having outlined their plan of action to improve their roster strength and get back into championship contention, the team will look to make a splash. Advertisement Given how the Lakers have been presented as a market for superstars, the team has been linked in rumors with some of the biggest names in the business. While exciting, this may not be the ideal approach for a franchise featuring Luka Doncic and LeBron James as its core. Considering the cap hit the star duo have on the team, it is unlikely that they would be able to make a move for another star without giving up significant value. Instead, the Purple and Gold still have some assets that they can leverage to improve their roster while simultaneously addressing key issues. It has been made abundantly clear by Lakers GM Rob Pelinka that the Lakers are looking for a specific profile of player, particularly in the frontcourt. With this in mind, the Purple and Gold have been linked to several available big men on the trade market, as well as some reliable wing players. With these aspects in mind, a recent report showcased some potential targets that the Lakers could engage in order to resolve their frontcourt depth issues, along with their perimeter. The Lakers Can Acquire A Legitimate Center In Nic Claxton Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) at Barclays Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images The Lakers have been linked to Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton before. Claxton appears to fit the profile with regard to what the Lakers want from a big man as well. Advertisement At 6'11", the Nets center has shown a lot of upside on the defensive end of the floor. Although he isn't a physically imposing player, the 26-year-old is very capable of making use of his length on the rebounding glass while simultaneously showcasing his tremendous athleticism at his size. Claxton notched an average of 10.3 points and 7.4 rebounds in the 2024-25 season with the Nets. As their primary defensive coordinator in the paint, he also notched an average of 1.4 blocks and 0.9 steals per game. As a young and mobile center, he poses an inherent lob threat. This makes him an ideal partner for Luka Doncic, who is known to exploit mismatches in the pick-and-roll with his big men. Additionally, Claxton is quite capable of holding his own in the paint. The Lakers' lack of paint presence and rim protection was shown to be a glaring flaw in their playoff matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although the Nets center can't transform their defensive rotation, he certainly shows enough upside to be able to plug the gap. Advertisement Acquiring the 26-year-old will require the Lakers to part ways with some valuable assets, given his incoming cap hit of $25.3 million. But considering what they may get in return, it may prove to be a risk worth taking. Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Nic Claxton Brooklyn Nets Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2031 first-round pick The departure of Hachimura and Vincent will have a massive impact on the team's perimeter shooting. With a need to address this, the Lakers can then look at making the next move to improve their roster integrity. Nickeil Alexander-Walker Fortifies The Lakers' Wing Depth Nickeil Alexander-Walker passes the ball to the corner against the Lakers.© Matt Blewett-Imagn Images The Purple and Gold could benefit from adding Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker to the rotation. The 26-year-old is a young and reliable wing who could fit right into the Lakers' system. Advertisement Alexander-Walker has shown tremendous upside as a perimeter threat. Having started his career in New Orleans, the guard has gradually shown improvement in his ability while embracing his role on the wings. The Lakers would be in dire need of players on the wing in the offseason. Considering most of their trade assets are perimeter players, the franchise will see a lot of them on their way out in light of the moves they intend to make. The addition of the Wolves guard could help reinstate some semblance of balance in the roster. As a player who primarily moves without the ball, Alexander-Walker makes for a solid outlet passing option for Doncic or James on the perimeter. The guard notched an average of 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game on shooting splits of 42.8% from the field and 38.1% from three-point territory. The stat lines don't necessarily reflect the kind of impact the Wolves guard has had on the game. Advertisement At 6'5", his length could be of great value to the Lakers' defensive lineups as well. While additionally making considerations for other intangibles, he would prove to be a solid pick-up. Alexander-Walker is going to be a free agent in the offseason. Considering the quality of his performance in the postseason, it is clear that he will demand a higher value going forward. In such a case, the Lakers may be able to sign the 26-year-old off a sign-and-trade deal with the Timberwolves. Proposed Trade Details: Los Angeles Lakers: Nickeil Alexander-Walker Minnesota Timberwolves: Jarred Vanderbilt, 2025 No. 55 pick While a sign-and-trade is possible, there could be a scenario in which Los Angeles could make a move on the guard in free agency itself. This could be a problem for the Wolves as they are likely to see another key player in Naz Reid commit to free agency as well. Advertisement With limited options, Minnesota will be forced to make a call in this situation, allowing the Lakers to adjust their strategies accordingly. Related: New Trade Idea Sends Four Players To The Lakers, Including Top Center From Eastern Powerhouse This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on May 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers Linked With Nets Big Man Who Can Easily Fit With Luka Doncic
Lakers Linked With Nets Big Man Who Can Easily Fit With Luka Doncic originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Los Angeles Lakers are once again making noise in the trade market, and this time the target is a rising star who perfectly complements Luka Doncic's playstyle: Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton. Matt Moore reports: Advertisement "Multiple Lakers outlets have reported on 'theoretical' trades involving Nets center Nic Claxton, and that's not a coincidence. Claxton provides an athletic veteran floor runner who can switch to put next to Luka. The Nets and Lakers have done deals before, multiple times, and Claxton is likely ready to be on a contending team." Following a turbulent 2024-25 campaign that ended in a swift playoff exit, the Lakers are on a mission to fill the void left by Anthony Davis after his blockbuster trade to Dallas. That hole in the frontcourt has made Claxton one of the most talked-about potential additions, and league insiders believe the fit is almost too logical to ignore. Claxton, 26, is coming off another solid year with the Nets, averaging 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 56.3% shooting while providing elite rim protection and switchable defense. His athleticism, shot-blocking, and ability to run the floor make him an ideal pick-and-roll partner for Doncic, who thrives when surrounded by mobile bigs who can finish and defend. Advertisement With the Lakers now fully embracing a roster built around Luka, Claxton fits the mold of what this team desperately needs: a defensive anchor who doesn't require touches to impact the game. He's under contract for four more seasons at $97 million, a manageable deal given the rising salary cap and Claxton's growing value. Meanwhile, internal debates rage in L.A.'s front office regarding their current roster. Austin Reaves had a breakout season, averaging 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds while shooting nearly 38% from three. His $13.9 million salary is a steal for now, but his value will skyrocket in 2026 free agency. While his agent denies trade talks, league insiders confirm that the Lakers would consider moving Reaves but only for a young All-Star talent who complements Luka's timeline. Claxton checks many of those boxes. Rui Hachimura, though, may be more expendable. His strong postseason performance and 41% clip from three-point range have boosted his trade stock, but with his $18 million salary and overlap with Doncic, LeBron, and Dorian Finney-Smith, he could headline a multi-player package to bring in a starting-caliber center like Claxton. Advertisement Shake Milton also gives L.A. quiet leverage. His $9 million deal over three years, with only the first year fully guaranteed, makes him a perfect salary-matching asset. Combined with young sharpshooter Dalton Knecht and future picks, the Lakers could build a competitive package without gutting their long-term flexibility. As the Nets continue their roster teardown, moving veterans like Mikal Bridges and Dorian Finney-Smith for assets, Claxton appears to be the next piece on the table. Brooklyn may not give him away cheaply, but if they aim to accelerate a rebuild or make a bold move for Giannis Antetokounmpo or Trae Young, a deal involving Reaves could benefit both sides. Claxton's fit alongside Luka Doncic is clear. With excellent defensive instincts, low usage, and positional versatility, he could be the defensive backbone this Lakers roster lacked in the 2025 playoffs. The rumors may still be theoretical, but the logic behind them is becoming increasingly real. Advertisement Related: Lakers Trade Assets Include A First-Round Pick, Young Shooter And $55 Million In Expiring Contracts This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
30-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Two mock trades give Lakers a viable center and a 3-and-D wing
The Los Angeles Lakers not only need a viable starting center this offseason — they also need better guard and wing depth. An athletic 3-and-D player who can start in the backcourt alongside Luka Doncic and scale up to the 3 spot at times would be ideal for them. They have limited trade assets, so they will have to be prudent and creative with how they go about filling both needs. Siddhant Gupta of Fadeaway World proposed two separate trades that would address both deficiencies. In one trade, Los Angeles gives up forward Rui Hachimura, guard Gabe Vincent and their 2031 first-round draft pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Nic Claxton, a big man they have been linked to. Via Fadeaway World: "Claxton appears to fit the profile with regard to what the Lakers want from a big man as well," Gupta wrote. "At 6'11", the Nets center has shown a lot of upside on the defensive end of the floor. Although he isn't a physically imposing player, the 26-year-old is very capable of making use of his length on the rebounding glass while simultaneously showcasing his tremendous athleticism at his size. "Claxton notched an average of 10.3 points and 7.4 rebounds in the 2024-25 season with the Nets. As their primary defensive coordinator in the paint, he also notched an average of 1.4 blocks and 0.9 steals per game. "As a young and mobile center, he poses an inherent lob threat. This makes him an ideal partner for Luka Doncic, who is known to exploit mismatches in the pick-and-roll with his big men. "Additionally, Claxton is quite capable of holding his own in the paint. The Lakers' lack of paint presence and rim protection was shown to be a glaring flaw in their playoff matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although the Nets center can't transform their defensive rotation, he certainly shows enough upside to be able to plug the gap." Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle In another trade, the Lakers would surrender forward Jarred Vanderbilt and their second-round pick this year for the Minnesota Timberwolves' Nickeil Alexander-Walker. "The 26-year-old is a young and reliable wing who could fit right into the Lakers' system," Gupta continued. "Alexander-Walker has shown tremendous upside as a perimeter threat. Having started his career in New Orleans, the guard has gradually shown improvement in his ability while embracing his role on the wings. "... The addition of the Wolves guard could help reinstate some semblance of balance in the roster. As a player who primarily moves without the ball, Alexander-Walker makes for a solid outlet passing option for Doncic or James on the perimeter. "The guard notched an average of 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game on shooting splits of 42.8% from the field and 38.1% from three-point territory. The stat lines don't necessarily reflect the kind of impact the Wolves guard has had on the game. "At 6'5", his length could be of great value to the Lakers' defensive lineups as well. While additionally making considerations for other intangibles, he would prove to be a solid pick-up. "Alexander-Walker is going to be a free agent in the offseason. Considering the quality of his performance in the postseason, it is clear that he will demand a higher value going forward. "In such a case, the Lakers may be able to sign the 26-year-old off a sign-and-trade deal with the Timberwolves." The Lakers got a taste of Alexander-Walker's ability during the first round of this year's playoffs against Minnesota. His 6-foot-9.5 wingspan allows him to cover lots of ground defensively, and he can play up to three positions, which would make him very valuable. The downside to these two proposals — and it's a sizable one — is that it would leave L.A. thin in the frontcourt. It would then have to make good use of its mid-level exception and veteran's minimum signings in free agency to fill out the rest of the roster. Today's NBA is all about depth, and not about having top-heavy rosters, and the team would have to avoid the latter.
USA Today
17-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Nets' Nic Claxton linked to Lakers as possible center option
The Brooklyn Nets are still early in the offseason plans for the 2025 NBA summer as they seek to remake the roster following a disappointing 26-56 campaign. Brooklyn heads into the 2025-26 season with plenty of cap space to sign free-agents, but there is a possibility that one of their highest-paid players could be playing for another team next season. Nets center Nic Claxton is one of the players linked to the Los Angeles Lakers in their search for center depth, per Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times on Friday. Woike pointed out that the Lakers are so intent to find a quality center that they would be willing to consider trading guard Austin Reaves, but only if the return is a top-tier level of big man. "People, including the Lakers' scouts and executives here in Chicago, have openly spoke about the team's needs at the center position — an obvious priority for Pelinka and Redick," Woike wrote. "The team has shown no interest in using Reaves in a trade that nets them anything less than a top-tier big, and there really aren't any of those available, with the two most common names linked to them in the earliest stages of the offseason — Brooklyn's Nic Claxton and Dallas' Daniel Gafford." Whether Los Angeles views Claxton as one befitting of the "top-tier" label remains to be seen, but it also sounds like Claxton and Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford may be two of the better big men possibly available this offseason. As of this writing, the Lakers have Two-Way Trey Jemison under contract for next season while starting center Jaxson Hayes will be an unrestricted free-agent. Claxton, 26, is coming off a solid 2024-25 season, but it was also one of his more disappointing campaigns in the past few seasons. Claxton averaged 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 56.3% from the field and 51.3% from the free-throw line. Claxton will be heading into the second year of the four-year, $97 million contract that he signed last summer. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Who is under contract for the Nets during the 2025-26 NBA season?
The Brooklyn Nets are heading into the 2025 NBA offseason with plenty to do in terms of preparation for the 2025 NBA Draft and free-agency once the playoffs are over. Brooklyn has five picks in the upcoming Draft, including four first-round picks, but part of their summer will be spent on deciding who will be part of the team for the 2025-26 season aside from the rookies. The Nets are projected to have the most cap space in the league by far this offseason and it's because they could have as many as 12 players that can be free-agents heading into the upcoming free-agent cycle. With players like D'Angelo Russell, Cam Thomas, and Ziaire Williams approaching free-agency with some possibility of playing for another team next season, Brooklyn could have plenty of room on the roster. Advertisement Time will tell how aggressive the Nets will be in free-agency and if they are going to maximize the amount of cap space they have heading into the 2025 offseason. With that being said, here are the players who will be under contract for the 2025-26 season, assuming that nothing else changes between now and when the regular season comes around: Nic Claxton ($25.3 million) NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 03: Nic Claxton #33 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Barclays Center on April 03, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) Claxton is coming off a season in which he posted solid numbers, but they were down from what he did during his previous two seasons with the franchise. Claxton averaged 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 56.3% from the field and 51.3% from the free-throw line. Cam Johnson ($20.5 million) Mar 11, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (2) reacts in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images Johnson had the best season of his career as he was put in a position to show the entirety of his skillset outside of his outside shooting. Johnson averaged 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 47.5% from the field and 39.0% from deep. For Johnson to be earning close to $20 million per year for the rest of his deal is going to be a value for Brooklyn moving forward. Noah Clowney ($3.39 million) Mar 26, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney (21) brings the ball up court against Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Clowney showed some promise this season with how much he grew in terms of his three-point shooting under the tutelage of first-year head coach Jordi Fernandez. While Clowney showed that he could play alongside Claxton due to his shooting, the former Alabama Crimson Tide also showed that he still has some improvement areas in his game, notably his driving to the rim and physicality in the paint. Dariq Whitehead ($3.26 million) NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 06: Dariq Whitehead #0 of the Brooklyn Nets in action against the Indiana Pacers at Barclays Center on January 06, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) Whitehead played just 20 games for the Nets this season as he spent the majority of the campaign in Long Island to continue his development and get his reps in the G League. While Whitehead has not shown much at the NBA level thus far in his career, he is one of the recent first-round picks for the Nets that could see more playing time next season if the franchise commits to player development moving forward. Maxwell Lewis ($2.22 million) Mar 29, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Maxwell Lewis (27) looks on during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images Lewis came to the Nets this season in a midseason trade from the Los Angeles Lakers and he showed some signs of being an impactful player coming off the bench. In all, Lewis averaged 5.3 points and 2.5 rebounds per game while shooting 42.2% from the field and 38.0% from behind the three-point land during his limited time on the roster. He should see more playing time next season. Tosan Evbuomwan (Two-Way) Jan 29, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Tosan Evbuomwan (12) with a layup against Charlotte Hornets guard Seth Curry (30) during the second quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images Similar to Lewis, Evbuomwan came to the team during midseason as the Nets signed him to a Two-Way Contract. Evbuomwan was one of the pleasant surprises for the season as he made an impact right away with his scoring and mature presence as he averaged 9.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game while shooting 42.7% from the floor and 31.2% from deep. This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Who is under contract for the Nets during the 2025-26 NBA season?
