Nets’ Clowney Focused on Performance Over Contract Situation

Noah Clowney is entering the final year of his rookie deal without an extension this offseason, but he's not concerned about contract status.

Clowney said he's focused on improving and helping the Brooklyn Nets win games. Improvement will look different this season with the acquisition of veteran forward Julius Randle in a four-team trade.

The 22-year-old started a career-best 60 games last season and averaged 12.3 points in 27 minutes. He'll have to show coach Jordi Fernández and the organization that he can thrive in a reduced role off the bench behind Randle.

Brooklyn's fourth-year forward looked impressive in the preseason, showing promise as a bench spark plug. Clowney averaged 9.8 points, three rebounds and 1.3 steals in 20.8 minutes.

He'll likely average 20 to 22 minutes in the regular season, and his performance across four preseason games suggests he'll transition smoothly to the bench.

Clowney shot 60% from three, showing clear improvement as a shooter. If he develops into a league-average shooter in the regular season, he'll have a strong case to remain a reliable option in Fernández's rotation.

The Nets tied the Sacramento Kings as the worst 3-point shooting team last season at 34%. They need to maximize floor spacing with Randle's playmaking to lift the offense.

Clowney understands he needs to make the most of his opportunities. He has to take the wide-open shots when they come and play defense.

Brooklyn's 2023 first-round pick could arguably be its most important free agent heading into next offseason. Clowney will become a restricted free agent, placing his future in the franchise's hands.

Restricted free agency wasn't nice this offseason. Peyton Watson and Jalen Duren had drawn-out sagas tied to their team's financial status.

The Denver Nuggets were in the luxury tax and decided to trade Watson. The Detroit Pistons weren't offering a five-year, $200 million contract until Duren's qualifying offer date was fast approaching.

Clowney isn't on their level, but he's part of the Nets' young core. He's improved every season, and the team hasn't seen that linear growth since Cam Thomas.

General manager Sean Marks has built a crowded forward rotation. He signed Josh Minott to a two-year deal, drafted Danny Wolf last year and drafted Joshua Jefferson this year.

A deep forward position puts pressure on Clowney to stand out amongst his peers. He's done so in preseason, but must continue proving his worth in the regular season.