Nicolas Claxton Issues Strong Statement On His Future With Nets

Brooklyn Nets big man Nicolas Claxton becomes an unrestricted NBA free agent after this season and the 24-year-old wants to stay right where he is.

During an interview with NBA reporter Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Claxton talked about his upcoming free agency.

“A place where I’m wanted,” Claxton said. “I’m here now. Hopefully, everything works out with Brooklyn. I love it here.”

Claxton is averaging 12.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.4 steals and 2.3 blocks for the Nets this season while shooting 64.2% from the field and 62.9% from the free-throw line. The lefty has five double-doubles.

The Nets are 13-12 on the season. They are in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

“As a group, we’ve been pretty solid, around .500 for the year,” Claxton said. “I think we’ve done a pretty good job of winning the games we’re supposed to win. For us, taking that next step as a group is going out and beating some of the top teams in the East and around the league.”

Claxton is making $8.8 million this season. His projected salary heading into free agency is $21 million per year, according to 12 NBA executives polled by Scotto. Two of the 12 executives believe Claxton could get as high as $27 million annually, four executives think Claxton’s value is in the $20-25 million range and two executives valued Claxton at $20 million annually.

“One of the better two-way players in the league,” Claxton said when asked what his ceiling as a player is. “Offensively, given the opportunity, being that guy that can go out and average around 15 points. At the end of the day, I know what I’ll hang my hat on will be on the defensive side of the ball.”