Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks called re-signing Nic Claxton his No. 1 priority this summer. While Brooklyn entered a full rebuild Tuesday by trading Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks, the GM's stance on his homegrown center did not waver. The Nets and Claxton are finalizing a four-year deal worth $100 million with $96 million guaranteed, according to the Athletic's Shams Charania.

The expectation among league executives entering the offseason was that Claxton would return to the Nets on a deal worth $20-25 million annually. Using the exclusive negotiating period granted by the new collective bargaining agreement, Brooklyn never gave the Georgia product an opportunity to hit the open market.

“Brooklyn has really grown on me. It's a city that I've grown to love since I've been here these past five years,” Claxton said ahead of the offseason. “Just everything about it — the fashion, the culture, the pride that the people have here. Obviously, we have good fans, but this year we didn't deliver the way we wanted to. But Brooklyn, the support [I get] here definitely means a lot.”

Claxton took to Instagram to send a message after news of his nine-figure deal broke: “I know who I am,” he wrote.

Nic Claxton's journey with the Brooklyn Nets

The 25-year-old center represents Marks' most successful development project after Brooklyn selected him 31st overall in 2019. After struggling to stay healthy during his first two seasons, Claxton bet on himself by signing a two-year, $17 million contract in 2022. He emerged as one of the NBA's top perimeter-defending centers over the last two seasons, ranking fourth in stocks (steals + blocks), behind only Anthony Davis, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brook Lopez.

Marks spoke highly of Claxton's development following the season and said he feels the fifth-year center has another level he can reach.

“We hope he's a Net for a very long time. We hope we can continue to build around him and build with him. It's been fun to watch Nic develop from his days at Georgia then coming all the way through here. I think he's scratched the surface of who he could end up being one day,” the GM said. “I love the challenge of him being Defensive Player of the Year. Nic and I have talked in the offseasons about similar accolades, Most Improved Player, Defensive Player, All-Defensive team, and so forth. I think he has the skill set and the mindset to be able to put himself in those positions if he continues to work and continues to develop.”

Newly hired Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez also raised lofty expectations for Claxton as Brooklyn's defensive anchor.

“I believe he’ll be Defensive Player of the Year for us,” Fernandez said. “He fits perfectly with what we want to do moving forward.”

Claxton will now join second-year forward Noah Clowney as Brooklyn's projected new-look forecourt. The duo impressed during an April 11 matchup with the Toronto Raptors, combining for 12 blocks during a 106-102 victory.