Brooklyn Nets: 3 reasons to stand pat at 2019 NBA Trade Deadline

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 21: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Barclays Center on January 21, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

3 of 4

Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images /

2. It’s unlikely that they win it all

Despite the Nets’ excellent play, they still have slim chances of hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy this season. The Toronto Raptors and the Milwaukee Bucks continue to dominate the Eastern Conference, with teams like the Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics not far behind. The Nets are looking more and more likely to find their way to a playoff seed, but shouldn’t be expected to do much more.

This doesn’t mean the Nets can’t impress in the playoffs. They have already exceeded expectations and if they were able to find a way to pull off an upset against a top seed in the East, it would be cause for justifiable celebration. However, as currently constructed, it is incredibly unlikely that Brooklyn could power through three, or even two, playoff teams in the Eastern Conference.

There is just no way the Nets can put themselves above the elite competition in the East via trade. This trade market doesn’t have quite the inventory of available star players as in years past. Rather than mortgaging long-term success in the hopes of fighting their way into the NBA Finals, they are better taking their growth step by step.

Home/Brooklyn Nets