NBA Rumors: Nets Expected To Be Active In Buyout Market

The Brooklyn Nets are sitting in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference, but the team is just 5-7 in their last 12 games and their depth is about to be tested with Kevin Durant set to miss 4-6 weeks with an MCL sprain. With the NBA Trade Deadline set for February 10th, rumors are flying around about potential trades, but The Athletic reports that the Brooklyn Nets likely won't be in on the festivities as they simply can't afford to part with their depth players. Alex Schiffer explains:

To me, the Nets don’t have many, if any, trade assets. Claxton is in the last year of his deal and would be a rental, but, as you said, they need him. Bruce Brown and Jevon Carter don’t sound like guys you list when you’re seeking out talent.

He goes on to mention virtually everyone else off the bench, and also brings up Brooklyn's numerous trade exceptions, although Schiffer doesn't expect them to be of much use:

Cam Thomas, Day’Ron Sharpe, Kessler Edwards and David Duke Jr. have all played well with the team short-handed, but there’s a small sample size on those guys. Frankly, I think the Nets need Thomas because of his scoring and their offensive limitations on the bench — and given the limitations they have because of their cap situation, some of these guys might be worth holding onto given Brooklyn’s need for cheap, team-friendly contracts. The Nets have a ton of trade exceptions, but I don’t see anything they have to really net them someone who can immediately aid their title chances.

This leaves the Nets to look elsewhere if they would like to improve their roster ahead of the playoffs, most notably: the buyout market.

The Nets had a lot of success on the buyout market last season, snagging both Blake Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge when they became available, and while it's tough to predict which players will and won't be bought out following the deadline, players such as the Orlando Magic's Gary Harris and the San Antonio Spurs' Thaddeus Young would be welcome additions, should they become available.