NBA Trade Deadline: 3 players that could leave the Brooklyn Nets ahead of the trade deadline

Over the last few years, the Brooklyn Nets have struggled to compete in a weak Eastern Conference. The Nets have failed to make a postseason appearance since 2015, and just last season, the Brooklyn franchise finished with a dismal 28-54 record.

Nevertheless, the Nets look to have finally turned a corner, as the team currently occupy 6th place in the East standings. It is a remarkable turnaround as at one point this season, the team had an 8-18 record, however, the Nets strong start to 2019 has resulted in a much improved 28-25 record.

Due to this, the Nets are in a strong position heading into the trade deadline, however, the team currently has a number of expiring contracts on the roster. This means that the Nets may be cornered into a number of trades over the next week, and here we will look at three players that could leave the franchise.

#3 DeMarre Carroll

Back in 2017, DeMarre Carroll was traded, along with future first and second-round draft picks, in exchange for Justin Hamilton. The Nets were viewed as the major winners of the trade, however, Carroll has offered minimal production in return for his $15.4 million salary, and the veteran will become a free agent in the summer.

This season, the 32-year-old is averaging 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, although Carroll has yet to start a game. The Nets would be happy to keep Carrol for next season on a much smaller contract, although there are no guarantees that the Nets will be able to retain the former Hawks man.

A trade would likely consist of Carroll being paired with a player on a smaller contract, although it is questionable if the Nets should make changes, as the current roster has steered the team to an unlikely 6th place in the East standings.

#2 Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

While the Nets have enjoyed a miraculous start to 2019, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has continued to disappoint. The 24-year-old was expected to become a key player for the Nets this season, although Hollis-Jefferson has started just 20 games, averaging 9.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Hollis-Jefferson becomes a restricted free agent in the summer, and Hoop Habits has speculated that Brooklyn may look to move the small forward:

With that being said, gauging the trade market now for Hollis-Jefferson makes a lot of sense. He can be attached with a second round pick or two to trade for a player that either A) helps the Nets make the playoffs this season and/or B) is signed to a reasonable long-term deal and fits better with Kenny Atkinson’s style of play.

Hollis Jefferson continues to be extremely limited on offense, shooting just 40% from the field and 24% beyond the arc, and the forward's departure is unlikely to hurt the Nets playoff chances.

#1 D'Angelo Russell

D'Angelo Russell has been the driving force behind the Nets playoff challenge, although CBS Sports is reporting that Russell's current form has put the team in a difficult spot:

As divisive as any young player over the past few seasons, Russell is suddenly contributing to a winning team, playing the best basketball of his life and setting himself up for a huge raise.If Russell makes the All-Star team, they might have to choose between maxing him out and watching him walk.

Russell will become a restricted free agent in the summer, and the 22-year-old's performances are likely to have attracted a lot of interest from rival teams. The point guard has averaged 19.6 points, 6.4 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game, and the Nets evidently need to make a decision in Russell's future. Either the Nets need to build a team around the former Lakers man, or trade him away while his value is at an all-time high.

Edited by Sripad