As the Boston Celtics search for ways to resolve their dire need for depth at center, the Brooklyn Nets are a team worth keeping an eye on. Nic Claxton continues to excel as an individual talent, but Brooklyn appears no closer to competing for a spot in the playoffs.
The Celtics desperately need to upgrade at center and a recent rumor implies they'll act to do so—making Claxton a more viable option than one might presume to come in and help Jaylen Brown compete.
Boston has undergone drastic changes over the past six months. Jayson Tatum suffered a torn Achilles tendon, Al Horford departed via free agency, and the Celtics traded both Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis in an effort to cut costs.
According to Matt Moore of FanSided, Boston is expected to remain active in trade conversations in hopes that an ideal move could arise—so long as it doesn't limit its financial flexibility.
"Boston is routinely mentioned as a team that continues to canvass for opportunities. It’s tough because they aren’t willing to take on money after their cost-cutting efforts this summer, but they remain one of the more opportunistic teams."
If the Celtics are willing to take on long-term money that cuts immediate costs, then a trade for Claxton could be a realistic pursuit.
Nic Claxton is a cost-efficient trade option who fits with Jaylen Brown
Claxton is in the second season of a front-loaded four-year, $97 million contract. He's owed $25,352,272 for the 2025-26 season, and will make decreasing figures of $23,147,727 in 2026-27 and $20,943,184 in 2027-28.
Boston may not be eager to take on long-term money, but if it's willing to do so, Claxton would be a perfect fit—and Anfernee Simons could help make it happen.
Simons is owed an expiring salary of $27,678,571. As such, Boston could complete a one-for-one trade as far as personnel is concerned, all the while cutting its current cap hit by upward of $2.3 million—an at least somewhat appealing proposition.
Getting the deal over the finish line will likely require draft compensation due to Simons' expiring deal, but the Nets' history of gambling on Cam Thomas could make it an ideal scenario.
Simons could arrive in Brooklyn and act as a proven source of production alongside Michael Porter Jr. and ultimately act as a replacement for Thomas. If the experience goes well, the Nets could move forward with two quality scorers anchoring their efforts as the rebuild continues.
If nothing else, the draft picks Boston can offer could entice the Nets to turn Claxton's contract into an opportunity to build for the future.
Nic Claxton can anchor the interior for a Celtics team in need
On the court, Claxton, 26, is one of the more exciting big men south of the postseason line. He's an athletic and versatile player who can defend multiple positions, create for his teammates, and effortlessly alternate between protecting the rim and picking up guards and wings along the perimeter.
Claxton is also one of the most improved players in the NBA early in the 2025-26 season, with career-best averages in points, assists, offensive rebounds, and free throw percentage.
Through 14 games, Claxton is averaging 14.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.4 blocks, 0.8 steals, and 3.0 offensive rebounds in 29.4 minutes per contest. He's doing so while shooting 57.6 percent from the field and 70.3 percent at the free throw line.
Unfortunately, the Nets are 2-12 and Claxton's seven-year career with a team in disarray may not be as rewarding as it once had the potential to be.
In Boston, Claxton's defensive versatility would give it the answer it's searching for at the center position—at a cost similar to what it'd have to pay next summer regardless if it hopes to improve at the position. Offensively, he's an underrated playmaker and an efficient finisher at and above the rim who can get out in transition with Brown, as well.
It's unclear how willing the Nets would be to move Claxton, but if the Celtics can sell them on this trade and are willing to take on multiple years of salary, it could pay dividends.