Brooklyn Nets: 3 players most likely to be traded in 2018-19

2. DeMarre Carroll

DeMarre Carroll likely only qualifies as a trade candidate in the event that the season goes south, but if any of the veterans on expiring contracts are to be dealt, Carroll is the most likely candidate. He fits the mold of the 3-and-D wing every team needs, and he’s also a seasoned playoff contributor.

At worst, the $15.4 million he’s owed can act as a salary filler for a more sizable contract. Although this isn’t the rabbit hole the Nets would like to go down (because they want to keep the books clear for next summer), it’s an option.

As long as Carroll maintains his career 36.4 percent clip from 3-point land and above-average defense, contenders will keep their phone lines open. Brooklyn would likely have to take back some money to make it work, but plenty of upper-echelon squads have expiring contracts to send back. Obtaining a late first-rounder or a few seconds (along with a salary to match Carroll’s) is all the Nets can really ask for at this point. They incurred assets just to get him.

Carroll is a team leader, and his contributions would be missed in this event. However, if the Nets need to pack it in at some point, getting an asset for a veteran is the smart move. He’s one of many Nets of the “veteran on an expiring deal” archetype.