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The trajectory of the Brooklyn Nets' entire offseason changed when Kyrie Irving announced his intention to opt into his 2022-23 player option, thus confirming his return to the team amid rumors of his potential exit. Irving's decision had a clear domino effect, as superstar teammate Kevin Durant will now remain in Brooklyn as well. The Nets are also nearing a decision on a key Irving and Durant teammate, center Nic Claxton, per The Hoop Collective Podcast and ESPN's Brian Windhorst.
On the latest episode of The Hoop Collective Podcast(starts at 10:30 mark), ESPN's Brian Windhorst noted that Claxton is expected to remain with the Nets.
According to the latest rumors, Windhorst is saying that Claxton is likely to remain with the Nets in NBA free agency. That should be music to the ears of Irving and Durant, as the 6-11, 215-pound big man averaged 8.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in just 20.7 minutes per game.
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Claxton is a physical presence above the rim, an ideal lob threat for both Irving and Durant to look to in the half court. There's also a case to be made that Claxton is Brooklyn's most important defender.
The only bugaboo with the young big man is his health. The 23-year-old has appeared in just 95 games across three seasons. Still, it's clear that Claxton is an NBA free agency priority for the Nets this offseason.
Irving and Durant will be happy if he returns.
