Everyone’s got an idea of what a center should do in the NBA. The job description used to be uniform. Big men lived under the basket. That’s where they scored, and that’s where they defended. Not anymore.
Today, big men shoot threes. Accordingly, some big men have evolved into perimeter defenders. The ideal modern defensive big man is an elite rim protector who can also survive in space. Apparently, the New Orleans Pelicans got the memo. By all accounts, they’re looking to replace Jonas Valanciunas with a defensive big man.
Who could blame them? Valanciunas is a remarkably talented basketball player. Unfortunately, his slow feet limit his ability to defend in space. By contrast, Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets is one of the most mobile big men in the entire league. Can you see where this is going?
The Trade Proposal
Brooklyn Nets Receive: C Jonas Valanciunas, 2024 First-Round Pick (LAL via NOP), 2026 First-Round Pick (NOP)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: C Nic Claxton, F Royce O’Neale
With that said, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for NBA big men. Can you think of an elite NBA big with slow feet? One whose defensive abilities have been scrutinized? We can. He’s a former back-to-back MVP, and he led his team to an NBA championship this season.
Nikola Jokic is a dominant force. Sure, he’s grown on the defensive end. Jokic leverages his tremendous size and quick instincts to be a solid stationary rim protector. Still, that’s not where his value lies. Jokic is one of the best offensive big men in the history of the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
So, the Nuggets have opted to build around him. Aaron Gordon’s defensive versatility offsets any shortcomings that Jokic has on that end of the floor. With that said, as talented as Valanciunas is, he’s no Nikola Jokic. Should the Nets really take him on?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
Well, the Nets don’t do this deal for Valanciunas. With that said, he’d change the makeup of this team. Valanciunas’ ability to space the floor could unlock some layers to this team’s offense. On the other hand, their defense ought to crater by replacing Claxton with him.
That’s not the point. For the Nets, the primary reason to do this deal is to land a pair of first-round picks. They’d have one of the most impressive collections of draft capital in the NBA following this deal. If they made it, they’d likely look to trade some of those picks for a star down the road.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Lastly, the Nets could be motivated to move off of Claxton’s impending contract. This roster is already expensive for a non-contender. The Nets could decide that rather than paying Claxton next summer, they’d do better to move him now. Should the Pelicans want him?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
This isn’t especially complicated. The Nets apparently want a mobile, defensive big. Claxton is one of the best in the NBA. He’s a true 1-through-5 defender who can handle any assignment.
Moreover, the Pelicans’ interest in such a player makes complete sense. When healthy, Zion Williamson is among the best offensive weapons in the NBA. With that said, he’s a subpar defender. Claxton would be able to cover for Williamson as well as anybody in the league.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Are there risks here? Yes. The Pelicans will have to live with the risk of Williamson’s health unless they move him. Otherwise, they need to plan as if he’ll be available if he’s going to be on their roster. Pairing him with Nic Claxton is as good of a plan as we can think of – by all accounts, he plays like the Pelicans want their big man to play.
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