Nets make pick from Nic Claxton-Julius Randle trade

Just a day before the NBA Draft, the Brooklyn Nets made a bold move by agreeing to a three-team deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Chicago Bulls. The Nets acquired Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick from the Timberwolves, while sending the No. 33 pick to Minnesota and Nic Claxton to the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls sent Mo Gueye to the Timberwolves.

Claxton had long been mentioned in trade rumors, and the Nets finally decided to part ways with him. With Randle, they added a versatile scorer and underrated playmaker. He could also help expedite the development of Brooklyn’s young players in the frontcourt.

That includes Joshua Jefferson, whom the Nets selected with the No. 28 pick. Jefferson is coming off an impressive campaign at Iowa State.

“The Brooklyn Nets are taking Joshua Jefferson with the 28th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. This pick was traded to the Nets in the Julius Randle-Nic Claxton three-team deal the other night,” wrote ClutchPoints’ Brett Siefel on X.

The 22-year-old forward was named to the Consensus All-American Second Team and the All-Big 12 First Team after averaging 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.6 steals in his senior year. He led the Cyclones to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament.

Jefferson played two years each at Saint Mary’s and Iowa State.

He has the chance to start for the Nets if he will be converted into a shooting guard. Coach Jordi Fernandez will likely start Randle, Michael Porter Jr., and Day’Ron Sharpe in the frontcourt.

Brooklyn has missed the playoffs for three straight seasons.

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