Nic Claxton hit a double-double in the loss to Miami, yet one insider revealed which team is rumored to be interested in the Brooklyn star.
Nic Claxton hit double-double status for the Brooklyn Nets despite the loss to the Miami Heat.
Yet his 16-point, 12-rebound evening Thursday night along with his 2025-26 production has reportedly piqued the interest of one Western Conference contender.
NBA insider Chris Haynes revealed on Amazon that the Golden State Warriors are exploring improving their front court -- with Claxton's name mentioned as a possibility via trade.
"I was told they're looking for size and athleticism," Haynes began to Taylor Rooks. "You look at the Warriors -- rebounding and blocked shots they're in the bottom half of the league. In points in the paint, they're dead last. So they're looking for an athletic center."
Haynes listed Daniel Gafford, Robert Williams and Claxton as three possibilities for Golden State to add.
"They're the list of targets to bring in a rim-running, block shots defender," Haynes said. "And listen, I was told they are really serious and are trying to do everything they can to get the team back into being the caliber of a championship contender type."
The Warriors continue to be led down low by veteran Draymond Green -- who leads with only 6.2 rebounds per game. Given Green's age, Golden State has looked to extend help for the multiple NBA champion. Meanwhile, Jonathan Kuminga is averaging 11.8 points per game but is the subject of trade rumors.
Golden State, however, has lacked towering bigs in the era of Steve Kerr. Adding Claxton hands GS a long-awaited athletic 6-foot-11 big man. Kevin Durant was the closest one but became lauded more for his shooting touch especially from behind the arc.
Claxton, meanwhile, revealed what's starting to work for him during this part of the Nets season -- and during a time Brooklyn has shown improvement.
"Just in a flow state, knowing the spots that I'm going be in, knowing where my teammates knowing where to find them; and the coaches just trusting me to make plays," Claxton said via Nets Wire on USA Today.
Claxton is delivering career-best numbers despite the slow start for Brooklyn. He's averaging 13.5 points per game in 26 games. Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez is also handing him 30.3 minutes per game, another career-best. Claxton is also turning heads as a passer -- averaging a career-high 4.5 per game there.
He's in his seventh season with the franchise and still young at 26 years of age. He even signed a four-year, $100 million contract extension featuring $97 million guaranteed in June 2024. But now, his name is back on trade watch -- with the Warriors reportedly eyeing him to stay in the early playoff race.