Total Assurance!!!Elite Superstar New Role Imminent After Sealing Multi-Million Dollar Contract
Nic Claxton is entering a new era as one of the Nets’ highest-paid players.
Entering his sixth NBA season, Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton is stepping into a fresh role. After spending years as the team’s promising young player behind stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the 25-year-old has become Brooklyn’s most seasoned member.
The past two years have seen the Nets undergo major trades and significant roster changes. Now, they are shifting into a rebuilding phase, with Claxton and fourth-year guard Cam Thomas leading the team. Reflecting on his newfound veteran status, Claxton acknowledged the rapid changes in Brooklyn.
“Man, it happens fast,” he said. “It’s also humbling to be in the same place for nearly six years. I don’t take it for granted, and I need to keep playing the right way and continue to grow. I’m just happy to be here.”
In 2022, Claxton took a chance on himself by signing a two-year, 17millioncontract.AfterestablishinghimselfasoneoftheNBA′spremierdefensivecenters,hesecuredafour−year, 97 million deal this summer.
He shared that his new contract has lifted a burden off him.
“It’s the first time I feel like I’m not worried about the contract or about staying healthy,” Claxton said. “A few years ago, with that two-year deal, I dealt with a lot of injuries. But over the last couple of years, I positioned myself for this contract.”
“Now, I just want to go out and enjoy playing basketball. I want to feel like a kid again and have fun with this younger group. I’m excited to see how it all unfolds. It’s a new system, so I’m also looking forward to learning a lot. I’m ready.”
Claxton Poised for Expanded Role with Rebuilding Nets This Season
Claxton is set to take on a bigger role for the Nets as the team rebuilds this season.
When he joined Brooklyn, head coach Jordi Fernandez expressed confidence that the Georgia product could win Defensive Player of the Year. Offensively, the Nets are struggling with shot creation following the trade of Mikal Bridges, and they hope Claxton, now in his sixth year, can help fill that gap while serving as a key playmaker in the halfcourt.
To do this, Claxton—who averaged 11.8 points and 2.1 assists per game last season—will need to enhance his skills as a playmaker and creator. The Nets believe he can make these improvements.
“Nic is no longer the young kid,” Fernandez mentioned at Media Day. “They say the prime age for a basketball player is around 25-26, and he’s right there. Our commitment to him was significant; he was our priority this summer. His role and leadership are set to evolve, and he needs to set an example for the younger players.”