Brooklyn Nets: 3 players most likely to be traded before deadline

1. DeMarre Carroll

DeMarre Carroll has seen regular minutes since his arrival in a 2017 trade with the Toronto Raptors. Last season, Carroll played 73 games for the Brooklyn Nets, averaging 29.9 minutes a night with 13.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 0.8 steals. This season, his numbers have dipped a little, down to 10.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 0.3 steals in 24.2 minutes per game. His 3-point percentage has also seen a decline, going from 37.1 percent to 34.4 percent.

Once heralded as a prototypical 3-and-D player, Carroll’s game has shifted a little. While still capable of scoring, he isn’t the defensive presence he used to be. He’s also found more playing time at the 4 rather than at small forward than in recent years. Even though he’s been able to provide some production to the Nets, they could explore trade possibilities.

The emergence of rookie Rodions Kurucs renders Carroll expendable. Playing a similar role, Kurucs has been developing into a key part of the team’s rotation. In just 20.5 minutes, he is putting up 9.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.3 blocks per game. The 20-year-old combo forward gives Brooklyn a little extra defensive edge as well.

Carroll is making $15.4 million this season but will face free agency this summer. Brooklyn could look to deal him in favor of giving Kurucs more playing time and bringing in another guard to place in the regular rotation.