1. Nicolas Claxton, Brooklyn Nets
We might be bordering on “dream scenario” territory here, but that doesn’t make this any less true. If the Bulls were able to land any eligible player with the $10.2 million DPE, I doubt any would get fans as excited as Brooklyn’s Nicolas Claxton.
Earning the full-time starting role for the Nets this season, Claxton thoroughly impressed and surpassed all expectations. He averaged 12.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game while somehow still playing less than 30 minutes per game. His per-minute productions was simply incredible, leaving many optimistic over his future potential and development.
Nicolas Claxton is undoubtedly the best player the Bulls could theoretically acquire with Lonzo’s DPE.
It’s not like this hypothetical doesn’t have a precedent either, as the Nets famously traded borderline All-Star caliber center Jarrett Allen for pennies on the dime to remain beneath the luxury tax threshold. In their pursuit of James Harden, Brooklyn infamously burned through all their draft capital and young talent to build around their Big 3. With Claxton up for a contract extension next season, it’s not an impossibility that history might repeat itself and the Nets choose to prioritize playing the next young talent in Day’Ron Sharpe for cheap.
Although it may be unlikely, it’s still something the front office should explore. Having a true rim protector like Claxton could help significantly revamp this team and potentially even raise their ceiling as a contender. Best of all, the 24-year-old’s timeline matches up with the young core far better than Nikola Vucevic.