The NBA offseason is now in full swing, with the Nets playing a big part in it one night before draft day. With big trades such as Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat making waves, the Nets have made a trade of their own.
The Nets have acquired Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick in this year’s draft in a three-team trade between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Chicago Bulls. The Timberwolves will receive Brooklyn’s No. 33 pick for Julius Randle and No. 28 pick, and the Chicago Bulls will receive Nic Claxton.
Nic Claxton’s Time In Brooklyn
It was a bittersweet ending for Nic Claxton’s time in Brooklyn, as it was believed that Claxton would be a mainstay in Brooklyn. Drafted at pick 31 in 2019, Claxton was a workhorse who climbed the ranks despite setbacks early in his career.
Claxton injured his hamstring in early 2020 and, after recovering, underwent shoulder surgery in June 2020, missing the remainder of the 2019-2020 COVID season.
Claxton gained additional minutes on the team after the Nets traded Jarrett Allen in 2021 and was also a fixture in the Nets’ 2021 playoff run. After re-signing with the Nets, Claxton became the starting center, where he truly began to shine.
Just in: Minnesota is sending Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick in the NBA Draft to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team trade that sends Nic Claxton to the Chicago Bulls, sources tell ESPN. The Timberwolves will acquire Brooklyn’s No. 33 pick for Randle and No. 28. pic.twitter.com/TvADMMNDlg
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 23, 2026
Claxton developed into a defensive star finishing ninth in Defensive Player Of The Year voting in 2023. Claxton also became a more effective passer while remaining one of the best defensive players in the league.
With him gone, acquiring Julius Randle gives the Nets more room offensively but costs them on defense. However, with Day’Ron Sharpe potentially starting at center, the Nets’ faithful can hope he shines in the starting role.
Julius Randle Raises The Floor
With the new NBA Draft requirements, teams can no longer intentionally tank to get a top pick. Acquiring a borderline star player like Randle will help Brooklyn be in the running throughout the season. Seeing Randle and Michael Porter Jr. play together will surely bring about some fun wins and great moments in Brooklyn.
Last season with Minnesota, Randle averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. Randle’s productivity on the floor will lead to more scoring from Brooklyn and more wins as well.
While playoff ambitions are still over the horizon, the Nets finally have another top player in their lineup and moved up a few spots in this year’s draft to acquire a potential key piece for Brooklyn’s future.
What’s Next For The Nets?
The Nets may not have their franchise player at the sixth pick, but they have a couple of great options to pivot after missing out on the top-four pick in this year’s draft. Some available college freshmen include Darius Acuff Jr., Mikel Brown Jr., and Brayden Burries. It is unknown who the Nets will draft on Draft Night, but Nets fans hope that their picks will be well worth it in the coming years.
