Brooklyn Nets: 3 reasons to make a trade approaching deadline

3. Expiring contracts

Now that virtually every team has difficulty opening up cap space, players on expiring contracts are in high demand. The Nets find themselves with five total, three of whom are expendable: DeMarre Carroll, Jared Dudley and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

Their expendability is more so due to the team’s depth, one of its many strengths. Another team would gladly scoop any of these guys, for various reasons.

Carroll isn’t what he was with the Atlanta Hawks, but he’s still a two-way wing with size. Dudley is a useful stretch-big on the court, and wonderful off the court. Hollis-Jefferson is an intriguing 24-year-old with just one glaring flaw.

Contending teams have likely already inquired about Carroll, a player the Nets got two draft picks out of (one of which became Rodions Kurucs) to absorb. Getting two seconds for him isn’t preposterous.

Dudley’s a solid fit anywhere as a stretch-4/5, but probably not for as much playing time as he gets in Brooklyn. He’d garner a mid second-rounder at best.

Hollis-Jefferson isn’t as valuable as he was last season, as his mid-range game has left him. A rebuilding team could take a flier (like the Phoenix Suns did with Elfrid Payton last season) and see if he’s worth re-signing in restricted free agency.

Selling isn’t necessarily a tank move in this case; it’s a value move.