"Charlotte Observer" reporter Roderick Boone latest reported that the Hornets plan to provide Nicholas Clarkston with a four-year, $45 million contract, the young center from the Nets to the team with the head of the point Guard Lamelo Ball, and promised to guarantee him the starting position, Nets general manager Sean Max plans to let him out of Brooklyn.
'At least three teams are interested in Claxton and are willing to offer a lucrative contract offer.' Agent Rich Bada said, "Hornets general manager Mitch Kupček also called, we open our arms to listen to all the team's advice, will seriously consider accepting the Hornets contract offer. ”
Clarkston is still a restricted free agent, and he hopes to get a four-year, $55.6 million contract extension from the Nets. Nets management needs to decide by June 30 whether to accept Clarkston's offer for this contract extension, or he will become a full free agent who can sign to any team. The Nets are well aware of Clarkston's worth and are counting on Jarrett Allen to hold up to the team's interior, but Sean Max only plans to offer a four-year, 35 million contract extension, which is still far from Clarkston's goal.
So how much is Clarkston worth?
Judging from Clarkston's on-field performance, talent and future growth space, there are teams that will offer him a contract offer with a starting salary of 10 million. Clarkston, who is only 23 years old, has played 47 games for the Nets this season, averaging 8.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game, shooting 64.6 percent from the field, the stat he averaged in 20 minutes per game. Playoffs played Celtics as the starting game averaged 24.5 minutes of playing time, the data increased to 10.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.5 assists and 1.3 steals, showing a fairly comprehensive performance, shooting 79.2% from the field, it can be said that the efficiency of both ends of the attack and defense is quite good.
Clarkston has excellent athleticism and running speed among center players, and as a starting pair of Ramello Ball and forward Miles Bridges, it will be the main core lineup of the Hornets. With Ball's passing and driving, Clarkston can play with a first-class center effect. Clarkston is 2.11 meters tall, with an arm span of 2.20 meters and weighs only 98 kilograms, and his physical talent is very suitable for attacking and defending. Defensively, Clarkston can make up for the position indefinitely, and his vertical jump cover rarely fouls. Arguably, Clarkston has the talent and attitude to be a good center, the only thing missing is not having the ability to shoot three-point shots.
"The Nets had a hard time matching the Hornets' offer, and their total salary for nine players next season was $158 million, more than the luxury tax line." Roderick Boone said, "The Hornets will also give Clarkston a starting position and playing time guarantee, which is important for the career of young players. ”
In fact, Clarkston has the strength to start, and in the 19 games that started in the regular season, he averaged 10.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.2 assists in 23 minutes per game, shooting 64.5% from the field. Clarkston has been a favorite for many teams this summer, and it's hard for the Nets to keep the young center.