Nets’ Clowney Could Be Most Important Free Agent in 2027

Noah Clowney will become a restricted free agent next season, and his performance in a contract year determines whether he remains a Brooklyn Net or earns a big payday elsewhere.

Clowney has improved every season in Brooklyn. He went from averaging 5.8 points in his rookie year to 12.3, from 23 games to 66 and from 16.1 minutes to 27 this past season.

His quiet ascension is an underrated storyline for the Nets. The 21st overall pick has become a rotation player on a cost-controlled contract ($5.4 million next season).

If he continues improving, he could be in line for a lucrative contract. However, restricted free agency has not been kind to some players this offseason. 

Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson reportedly wants more than $25 million annually, but he has been offered a five-year, $70 million contract ($14 million annually), per Tony Jones. Multiple reports have suggested Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren wants a maximum rookie extension, but Detroit is unwilling to offer its 22-year-old All-Star more than $50 million.

Brooklyn is in the driver’s seat of Clowney’s future, as it has the right to match other suitors’ offer sheets. 

The 22-year-old is using this offseason to improve his weaknesses, like dribbling and finishing through contact. Clowney told reporters that when the team didn’t foul him, he’d be bumped off his spots.

"Sometimes I get caught on one foot instead of, you know, bump. I can play on two," Clowney said. "Really like the second level move, like bump, step through, things like that. If I can get better at that, I think that'll help me too."

The 6-foot-10 forward had eight instances of 20 points or more throughout the year, but a common trend in those performances is his reliance on his three-point shot to produce at a high level.

He shot 33-for-61 from beyond the arc (54.1%) and 23-for-46 from inside the arc (50%). The two-point efficiency is encouraging, but Clowney recorded over five made two-pointers in two of those eight games — against the Toronto Raptors and Utah Jazz.

Brooklyn’s coaching staff has played a significant role in Clowney’s development. They have helped him stay calm in the moment, living with the results of his work regardless of the outcome.

Competition at his position has increased after general manager Sean Marks traded for Julius Randle, re-signed Josh Minott and drafted Joshua Jefferson. Randle, a 12-year veteran, will take Clowney’s place as the starting power forward. 

The fourth-year forward will have to compete with Minott and Jefferson to remain a staple in coach Jordi Fernández’s rotation. 

If Clowney continues to ascend, like in previous seasons, he could become a priority free agent for the Nets next offseason, and they have his bird rights to give him a lucrative extension.