Celtics Trade for Nets' Nic Claxton Would Solidify Title Contention Amid NBA Rumors

The Boston Celtics have exceeded expectations without Jayson Tatum this season, and despite sitting tied for second place in the Eastern Conference, the team still has needs ahead of the NBA trade deadline, most notably at center.

Brett Siegel of Clutch Points reported that Brooklyn's Nic Claxton is one player the team has been linked to. There are others, too, but the current Nets big man is the best option for a championship-hungry squad.

The 26-year-old former Georgia Bulldog has returned to form after a down season a year ago. He is averaging 29.4 minutes, 12.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, four assists, and 0.8 steals per game.

Add to that 57.5 percent from the field and a vastly improved 62.8 percent from the free-throw line and he is a player who could step in and immediately help the Celtics in an Eastern Conference where they will need an upgrade to the front court if and when they have to battle the likes of Boston and New York in the postseason.

Claxton's ability to transition from hoop protector to a defensive big man who can guard perimeter players and against the three makes him an intriguing add to any team, but especially the Celtics.

Neemias Queta has played admirably for the team to this point, and has been a slightly better on the boards than Claxton (8.1 rebounds per game), but the Nets center is a potential superstar in the making who would flourish and thrive in head coach Brad Stevens' system.

That the Celtics could accomplish two goals at once by offloading Anfernee Simons' expiring contract in the deal makes it that much more interesting. Claxton carries a similar AAV to Simons this season, but comes with two additional years of team control before he hits free agency after the 2027-28 season.

His raw tools, coupled with playing at a position of need, and with two years left on his deal after this season, makes Claxton a player the team should execute a trade for as it looks to make a legitimate push toward the NBA title.

A championship that few foresaw as a possibility without Tatum on the floor. While the superstar's return remains uncertain, the team's ability to emerge from the Eastern Conference does not have to be. Add Claxton, improve the frontcourt play while adding perimeter defense, and Stevens' group could find itself seeking a second Larry O'Brien trophy in three seasons.