The Charlotte Hornets are exploring options to upgrade their center position and have identified Brooklyn Nets big man Nic Claxton as one of their targets, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Scotto reported Wednesday that “with Charlotte considering a starting-caliber center upgrade, other centers besides Sabonis are on their radar, including Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton.” The Hornets’ interest comes as the organization evaluates ways to build around its young core after returning to the postseason picture.
Charlotte finished the 2025-26 season 44-38 and earned the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference, led by a balanced offensive group featuring Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball and rookie Kon Knueppel. The team’s frontcourt production, however, remains an area where Charlotte could look for more stability.
Claxton would fit that need. The 26-year-old center averaged 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 blocks in 69 games for Brooklyn while shooting 57.1% from the field. His defensive versatility has made him one of the league’s more valuable mobile centers, capable of switching onto perimeter players while still protecting the rim.
The Hornets already received solid production from their centers in 2025-26. Moussa Diabate averaged 7.9 points and 8.7 rebounds in 73 games, while Ryan Kalkbrenner posted 7.6 points and 5.5 rebounds with a 75.3% effective field goal percentage. Adding Claxton would give Charlotte a more established starting option with playoff experience.
The potential fit also involves Charlotte guard Coby White. Scotto noted that the Nets have previously expressed interest in White and that a sign-and-trade involving both players could be a possibility if Brooklyn uses its cap space elsewhere.
White averaged 15.6 points, 3.0 assists and shot 39.1% from three-point range in 21 games for the Hornets after arriving from Chicago. His perimeter scoring would match Brooklyn’s need for more offensive creation as the Nets continue reshaping their roster.
Brooklyn finished 20-62 and is focused on developing its younger players, including Noah Clowney, Egor Demin and Nolan Traore. The Nets have reportedly been open to moving veterans such as Claxton and Michael Porter Jr. if the return matches their valuation.
Porter led Brooklyn in scoring at 24.2 points per game, but Claxton remains a key piece because of his age, contract structure and defensive impact. He is owed $23 million next season and has two years remaining on his deal.
Charlotte’s interest reflects its push to surround its young talent with players who can raise the team’s defensive floor. With Miller averaging 20.2 points, Ball averaging 20.1 points and 7.1 assists, and Knueppel contributing 18.5 points on 42.5% three-point shooting, a reliable interior defender could become an important next step.
The Hornets and Nets also have a front-office connection, as Charlotte president Jeff Peterson previously worked in Brooklyn with Nets general manager Sean Marks. That relationship could help facilitate discussions if both sides decide there is a path toward a deal.
