Former Raptors Trade Target May Now Be Available in Talks

Nic Claxton may finally be available.

It’s been two trade deadlines now that rumors have swirled connecting the Toronto Raptors to the 24-year-old Brooklyn Nets center. This year, Claxton’s name is once again circulating in trade talks ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline, per Marc Stein’s SubStack.

“I've heard more than once this week not to discount the idea that Brooklyn big man Nic Claxton could be more available over the next seven days than previously advertised,” Stein wrote.

In 2022, Toronto was “very close” to a deal for Claxton, ESPN’s Zack Lowe reported at the time. The deal was said to have involved a protected first-round pick from Toronto.

Last year, the Raptors were “insistent” on acquiring Claxton in a deal for either OG Anunoby or Pascal Siakam, Ian Begley reported. The Nets eventually dealt Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns, ending trade talks between the two organizations.

Claxton is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer which may complicate his trade value. His age is more aligned with Toronto’s young core surrounding Scottie Barnes but his skill set is so similar to Jakob Poeltl’s that he may make a strange fit in Toronto.

Like Poeltl, Claxton is a non-shooter. He’s averaging 12.4 points and 10.4 rebounds per game and has attempted just three three-pointers all season. He’s 6-foot-11 and 215 pounds, making him smaller but more versatile and mobile than Poeltl who prefers to play closer to the hoop.

It’s unclear what the Nets would be looking for in a trade. Toronto has an abundance of future first-round picks now, but it’s unlikely the Raptors are going to make any sort of win-now deal ahead of the deadline.