3 impact free agents Toronto Raptors could sign with the MLE

2. Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets

Claxton could return to the Nets and officially confirm himself as the club’s starting center for the next few seasons. If he’s made up his mind to leave, and if the Nets have no interest in retaining someone who could approach an eight-figure salary, Toronto seems like an ideal destination.

Claxton averaged 8.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game with the Nets last year, though his actual value lies on the defensive end. One of the few young centers in the East who can guard multiple positions at an exceptional level, that switchability will work well in Toronto’s system.

Nic Claxton could be a game-changer for the Toronto Raptors.

Claxton will need to add some muscle if he wants to fulfill his full potential in the NBA, and learning how to shoot from 3-point range might not be the worst idea in the world if he wanted to thrive in Toronto’s system. Even with those concerns, Nick Nurse’s ideal center looks a lot like Claxton.

Even though the latest buzz around the league suggests that Claxton is going to return to the Nets at some point, the fact remains that Toronto could price Brooklyn out of a Claxton return if they drive up the price. If Claxton takes the MLE and values what Toronto brings to the table, he could burn his old friends.