Warriors summer trade idea would swap three-time NBA champion big man for Nets center

Feb 13, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) is fouled by Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) in the first half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Some organizations refuse to remain satisfied despite elevating their rosters mid-season. 

The Golden State Warriors are a better team than before the Feb. 6 trade deadline, but they could make additional impactful moves in free agency. 

Fadeaway World’s Eddie Bitar recently predicted that the franchise will swap a three-time NBA champion big man for a productive Brooklyn Nets center.

“Nic Claxton’s presence as an athlete and shot-blocker (averaging 1.5 blocks per game) makes him an intriguing target for Golden State,” Fadeaway World’s Eddie Bitar wrote Sunday. 

“Trading three players for Claxton this summer could be a smart move, especially with Claxton’s ability to guard multiple positions.”

“His athleticism and rim protection would provide a vertical threat on both ends of the floor, complementing (Stephen) Curry’s perimeter shooting. Claxton’s ability to run the floor and finish lobs would fit seamlessly with Golden State’s pace-and-space offense.”

“His defensive versatility would also allow Draymond Green to play more freely, potentially unlocking more lineup combinations.”

In Bitar’s trade proposal, the Warriors would send Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, Kevon Looney (sign-and-trade), and a 2028 first-round pick to the Nets for Claxton.

The Nets are in rebuild mode, but that hasn’t prevented Claxton from producing on both ends in Year 6. 

Claxton, an above-the-rim leaper with good hands and impressive two-way instincts, averages 10.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, shooting 54.2% from the field with the 21-39 Nets.

The Georgia product played well enough during the first half of the year to land with a competitive franchise, but the Nets didn’t feel compelled to part ways with him this season.

Although Looney is a valuable frontcourt asset that’s earned the Warriors’ respect, acquiring Claxton this summer would give Golden State a less accomplished yet more well-rounded big man moving forward.

Aggressively targeting Claxton isn’t out of the realm of possibility for the Warriors.

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