NBA Trade Rumors: Nets' Nic Claxton Eyed by Pelicans, More After Mikal Bridges Deal

The New Orleans Pelicans have "several admirers" of Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton within the organization, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto.

Scotto reported multiple teams around the NBA are wondering about the status of a possible sign-and-trade involving Claxton, who's entering unrestricted free agency, after the Nets agreed to trade wing Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

In April, newly hired head coach Jordi Fernández offered major praise of the 6'11" rim protector, saying he had the potential to be a Defensive Player of the Year. Both Fernández and general manager Sean Marks called Claxton a "priority" as well.

The Bridges trade, however, signals a significant shift in the front office's priorities. According to Wojnarowski, Brooklyn is getting back four unprotected first-round picks from the New York Knicks and a protected first-rounder from the Milwaukee Bucks. That's the kind of haul intended to spark a rebuild.

Given his age (25), Claxton theoretically aligns with the Nets' new time line. His possible salary, on the other hand, could be a bit too rich when they're unlikely to be a contender within the next few years. Scotto reported the big man could collect between $20 million and $25 million annually.

The Athletic's William Guillory laid out the Pelicans' need for a center with Jonas Valančiūnas becoming a free agent. Even if Valančiūnas were still under contract, a younger and more defensive-minded big would be a better fit with forward Zion Williamson in the frontcourt.

Claxton, who has averaged 3.5 blocks per 100 possessions through five seasons, according to Basketball Reference, would ease a lot of pressure on Williamson inside. He'd effectively be the player the Pels intended for Jaxson Hayes to grow into when they acquired him in a 2019 draft-night trade with the Atlanta Hawks.

New Orleans can only create up to $3.4 million in salary cap space, so a sign-and-trade is the team's only path to getting Claxton. That's probably the case with a lot of the other teams that could pursue him since cap space is generally pretty scarce.

If they don't re-sign Claxton, the Nets are in a good position to flip him for a valuable asset or two this summer.