The Charlotte Hornets are looking to upgrade their starting center position and have identified Brooklyn Nets big man Nic Claxton as a prime target. This comes as the Nets, fresh off a dismal 20-62 campaign, prepare for a rebuild centered around the No. 6 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft. Charlotte's interest extends to other centers besides Domantas Sabonis, with Claxton specifically mentioned.

Claxton, 27, completed one of his best seasons in 2025-26, averaging 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game across 68 appearances. He shot an efficient 57.1% from the field and 61.6% from the free-throw line. He has two years and $44 million left on his current deal, with his contract getting less expensive with each passing season. This structure could make him an attractive asset for a team looking to manage their cap in future seasons.

The Hornets' desire for a starting-caliber center has been a long-standing issue for the franchise. The team made a significant leap last season, improving by 25 wins to finish 44-38 and secure the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference. This pursuit of Claxton also intertwines with the Nets' past interest in Hornets free agent guard Coby White. The framework of a potential trade for Domantas Sabonis, which included Miles Bridges, Josh Green, and a potential first-round pick, highlights Charlotte's willingness to package assets for a center upgrade.

If the Nets are willing to part with Claxton, it will likely be for a return of young players and/or picks. Brooklyn's general manager Sean Marks still has to field offers during the early stages of this rebuild. Claxton has been a solid contributor for the Nets over the past four seasons, and a team like the Hornets could be willing to give up more than usual to acquire him for the next two seasons.

Looking ahead, the Hornets face critical decisions in the coming weeks. With the 2026 NBA Draft approaching, and free agency looming, the team's approach to acquiring a center will dictate other roster moves. The Nets, with their No. 6 overall pick, are in the early stages of a rebuild and would prioritize assets that align with that timeline.