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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 21: Nic Claxton #33 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates during the second half of the 2025-26 Emirates NBA Cup game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on November 21, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Nets defeat the Celtics 113-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Bryson Graham and the Chicago Bulls aren’t waiting until the NBA Draft to add talent to the roster. In a three-team trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Brooklyn Nets, the Bulls are acquiring center Nic Claxton from the Nets, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Here is a look at the full trade details:
Nets receive: Julius Randle, No. 28 pick
Timberwolves receive: No. 33 pick
Bulls receive: Nic Claxton
For Chicago, Claxton represents an intriguing player that fits EVP Bryson Graham’s touted SLAP principle. During his introductory press conference, Graham said, “I refer to it as guys who have SLAP. Size, length, athleticism and physicality is going to be felt on the defensive side of the ball. We would love to have size, length, athleticism and physicality all across the board.”
GettyNic Claxton has the eighth-most blocks among active players since entering the NBA
Standing at 6-foot-11, Claxton possesses the size, length and athleticism that Graham covets.
The former first-round pick has great verticality for a big man and can accelerate down the court with ease. His offensive game is largely restricted to putback dunks and alley-oop finishes, but at 27 years old, he could still add more to his game.
Defensively is where he really shines. Since entering the league in 2019, Claxton has the eighth-most blocks (611) among active players.
Last season, the Bulls lacked a true rim protector, even before trading away Nikola Vucevic. Still, the team recorded the 11th most blocks in the NBA, a number they could improve on with the addition of the former Georgia standout.
Claxton, who boasts over a 7-foot wingspan, averaged 2.5 blocks per game in 2022. He finished that season in the Top 10 in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
The following season, he averaged 2.1 blocks in 71 games.
He may not set the world on fire offensively, but he could add much-needed rim protection in Chicago.
GettyCaleb Wilson has been heavily linked to the Bulls during the draft process
Chicago is widely expected to select UNC forward Caleb Wilson fourth overall in the 2026 NBA Draft. Should that projection come to fruition, Claxton could be an ideal frontcourt mate for the former Tar Heel.
Both players are wiry, athletic bigs with super mobility. With Josh Giddey running point, the Bulls could trot out jumbo lineups that put tons of pressure on the rim.
Claxton and Wilson are both dunk specialists (though the incoming rookie may have Claxton beat in that regard) with similar builds. So, not only does Claxton have the speed to play alongside Wilson.
He could also help teach him how to be an effective NBA big man without the need for a bulky frame.
Jalyn Smoot Jalyn Smoot is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has nearly 10 years of experience in local and national media, including print and digital. He previously covered the Texas Rangers for MLB.com and the Philadelphia 76ers for Metro Philadelphia. Smoot is a St. Louis born writer that now resides in Dallas. More about Jalyn Smoot
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