Proposed trade upgrades the Boston Celtics at the center position

A proposed trade from NBA Analysis Network would see the Boston Celtics upgrade at the center position; swapping out Robert Williams III and a 2026 first-round draft pick for Brooklyn Nets big man Nic Claxton. As NBA Analysis Network’s James Piercey puts it, the upgrade from Williams to Claxton mostly revolves around the ability the latter doesn’t lack but the former does: availability.

“Surely, Boston likes everything about Williams III – besides his propensity for getting hurt, that is,” Piercey prefaced before saying, “Unfortunately, his availability is a consistent question mark. Claxton’s is not. That’s all Boston is doing here – landing a switch big that they can count on. Granted, they’re not identical. Williams III’s superior strength allows him to hold big men more readily. On the other hand, Claxton’s superior foot speed makes him an even more versatile defender.”

When it comes to their offensive games, both Williams and Claxton are efficient, if limited in their “bags” so to speak. Both get easy buckets at the rim and shoot above 70% from the field. Claxton, though, is nearly two years younger and is a more effective shot-blocker at a shade under seven feet tall.

Impending Nic Claxton extension could give Boston Celtics pause

The biggest difference in the statuses of Claxton and the Time Lord is the money they are set to make. Williams has nearly $40 million due over the next three seasons, while Claxton is due for a payday in 2024.

That payday could give the Boston Celtics serious pause since Claxton’s skillset could get him a contract that blows past Williams’ by a good bit. With an NBA market where Dillon Brooks is getting paid $80 million, you have to wonder if Claxton can garner that as well. The odds are high that Claxton’s representation would at least ask for it.

Knowing that Claxton could come with such a massive raise and that it’d take a future first-rounder to land him, it may behoove Boston to stick with their injury-prone former Eastern Conference Championship center.