After seven years in Brooklyn, the defensive anchor pens a heartfelt farewell while preparing to bring veteran leadership to a rebuilding frontcourt in Chicago.
This offseason, the Brooklyn Nets made some serious changes to their starting front court.
After seven seasons with Brooklyn, longtime starting big man Nic Claxton was dealt to the Chicago Bulls as part of the Julius Randle deal.
On Saturday, he penned a note to the fans via X, thanking them for the support they showed him in Brooklyn.
"These past seven years have been an amazing ride," Claxton wrote. "I appreciate the Nets organization and fans for believing in me. I felt the love and support from day 1."
Claxton, a former second rounder, grew into the Nets' full-time starting center after three limited seasons, becoming one of the most-consistent rim protectors in the NBA.
Last season, Claxton averaged 11.7 points, seven rebounds and 3.7 assists, adding 1.1 blocks per game.
However, since signing a four-year, $97 million contract extension in 2024, Claxton's production had seen a steady decrease across the board.
In both of the seasons prior to his deal, Claxton averaged more points, rebounds, and blocks, shooting nearly 14 percentage points better from the field in his best statistical season in 2022-2023.
Since that time, the game has evolved quickly, as big men are expected to have a semblance of perimeter ability.
Claxton was never able to tap into a 3-point jump shot or in-between move, leaving him one-dimensional on offense.
In a league dominated by the 3-point shot, Claxton has shot just 19-percent from beyond the arc, making just 11 of 58 attempts over his seven-year career.
Nevertheless, Claxton outplayed his tag as a second-round pick and provided defensive and rebounding stability for Brooklyn over the past few years.
"Through the ups and downs, this city watched me grow into a man," Claxton wrote. "I will always cherish my time spent there. I created so many beautiful memories and friendships that will last a lifetime."
Now, Claxton joins a Chicago Bulls team where he has a good opportunity to sit atop the center depth chart.
Alongside young talents in the front court like Matas Buzelis and this year's No. 4 overall pick Caleb Wilson, Claxton will be expected to provide veteran leadership to Chicago's next generation.
For Brooklyn, the front office has put a lot of trust in former North Carolina standout Day'Ron Sharpe, who will likely be the team's full-time starter on the inside.
For Sharpe, this will be a big step, as he has started just 21 games during his first five seasons in Brooklyn.
Claxton's time with the Nets will not be forgotten, and his comments towards the franchise and fan base are positive, but even he agreed the time for a move had come.
"I will be forever grateful I was able to call Brooklyn home," Claxton wrote. "With all that being said, it was time to move on. Thanks again for rocking with me. I will see y'all again."
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