The Chicago Bulls are hitting the ground running and aren’t slowing down. On Monday, they acquired Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton as part of a three-way deal involving the Nets and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The trade sent All-Star forward Julius Randle from Minnesota to Brooklyn, and in return, the Timberwolves get the No. 33 pick in the Draft, while the Nets get the No. 28 pick.
As for the Bulls, they clear cap space to absorb Claxton’s remaining $44 million over the next two years. The Bulls had $54 million in cap space available. Now, by acquiring Claxton, they still have $31 million left for free agency and/or future trades this offseason.
For a team rebuilding, that’s a huge victory.
From a playing standpoint, the Bulls were in long need of an athletic and physical big man. Claxton fits that bill in many ways. He has solid rim protection, two-way versatility, effective pick-and-roll scoring, and strong switchability. Last year, Claxton played in 69 games for the Nets, averaging 11.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.
Overall, his game fits in nicely with the SLAP philosophy of the new VP of Basketball Operations, Bryson Graham. Size, Length, Athleticism, and Physicality.
In contrast, the last big man, Nikola Vucevic, lacked rim protection and explosiveness. Nick Richards was more of a traditional drop-coverage big man, where athleticism and versatility weren’t pertinent.
Furthermore, as the Bulls await who they will select with the No. 4 and No. 15 picks in the NBA Draft on Monday, there are already predictions about what Claxton will bring to the table, along with possibly Caleb Wilson, per Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports.
If the Bulls draft Wilson as the No. 4 pick, O’Connor foresees his and Claxton’s additions as building a formidable frontcourt.
“Nic Claxton + Caleb Wilson in Chicago? Interesting. A little lean for a frontcourt, but extremely versatile if Claxton can return to his prime self on defense. Incredible switchability plus Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey, and potentially Noa Essengue. That’s a massive roster.”
Nic Claxton + Caleb Wilson in Chicago? Interesting. A little lean for a frontcourt, but extremely versatile if Claxton can return to his prime self on defense. Incredible switchability plus Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey, and potentially Noa Essengue. That's a massive roster.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnor) June 23, 2026
All in all, it’s a win-win. But there is something the Bulls need to keep their eye on.
If Nic Claxton can stay healthy, the Bulls will get everything they could ask for
In the last year, Claxton endured injuries. He missed the last five games of the season due to a sprained finger. Earlier in 2026, he suffered from a thumb sprain, hip soreness, and an ankle sprain.
During the 2024-25 season, Claxton experienced a lower back strain in November 2024 that would require an epidural injection and miss games.
Claxton underwent shoulder surgery in 2020 after a hamstring injury forced him to miss the rest of the season.
That said, there is no question these injuries raise legitimate concerns for the Bulls. After all, they are at a point where they can’t afford an error as they undergo a top-down revitalization.
O’Connor posted on social media that Claxton isn’t the same player he once was and has issues on defense.
“Yeah, Claxton is a looooong time removed from being any good on defense. Once one of the great switch defenders in the NBA, he’s a shell of his former self now. Guess it makes sense losing in Brooklyn. We’ll see if a change of environment turns Claxton back into his old self now.”
Yeah Claxton is a looooong time removed from being any good on defense. Once one of the great switch defenders in the NBA, he's a shell of his former self now. Guess it makes sense losing in Brooklyn. We'll see if a change of environment turns Claxton back into his old self now. https://t.co/yKoazyE352
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnor) June 23, 2026
Claxton has some defensive liabilities. He has a more slender build, has seen his block rates fluctuate, and gets into foul trouble here and there.
That being said, when healthy, Claxton is as efficient as they come. And at this point, the Bulls will look to anyone with budding potential and weaknesses that can be rectified.
In essence, Nic Claxton may not be a superstar, but he meets the moment.
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