NEW YORK -- Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney is in an interesting position heading into his fourth season in the NBA as he'll have to deal with yet another change in his role. Brooklyn's biggest move this offseason was trading for former Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle and with Clowney likely seeing his role reduced this season, the next development in his career could be intriguing moving forward.
"Forward Noah Clowney will not get a rookie scale extension from the Nets, sources close to the player told the Post," Brian Lewis of the New York Post reported on Monday. Clowney, by nature of being part of the 2023 NBA Draft, was eligible for a rookie-scale extension prior to the beginning of the 2026-27 season, but it seems like the Nets are going a different route on that situation.
"Brooklyn is still encouraged by his combination of length, shooting and ability to get to the foul line. He'll be a restricted free agent next summer," Lewis continued. Clowney is likely still going to have a sizable role within head coach Jordi Fernandez's rotation for this upcoming season, but the former Alabama Crimson Tide forward gave his take on his expectations for this campaign.
"[My role is to] play defense, go get some rebounds to end possessions, make shots when the ball comes to you. It's pretty much that. Just try to bring energy on the court, especially playing bench minutes," Clowney said after Monday's practice when asked what he made of his role during the preseason. "It's just a lot easier to come in and play harder for probably one stint per half or something along that nature."
Clowney, 22, is coming off a 2025-26 season in which he averaged 12.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 39.6% from the field and 32.9% from behind the three-point line. With Randle being added to the roster, Clowney will likely be coming off the bench, at least to begin the season, so he will be looking to prove that he can fulfill his role and earn his next contract after this campaign.
Forward Noah Clowney will not get a rookie scale extension from the #Nets, sources close to the player told the Post. Brooklyn is still encouraged by his combination of length, shooting and ability to get to the foul line. He'll be a unrestricted free agent next summer. #NBA
— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) October 19, 2026
This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Report: Nets won't sign Noah Clowney to NBA rookie scale extension