The past and future factors that shape the Nets’ thinking on a Nic Claxton contract number

Nic Claxton is at the center of the Nets’ summer.

Overpaying him would be a problem. But losing him would be a catastrophe.

That’s the position the Nets find themselves in this summer.

Claxton is the top center on the free-agent market and one of the top players on a roster that previously lost Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden. He’s the anchor of their defense, and, frankly, they have no means to replace him.