Latest Nets trade prediction from Bleacher Report could help rookies shine

The Feb. 10 NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching, meaning that the Brooklyn Nets have a little over a month to make a move. According to reports, Brooklyn’s put Joe Harris’ name in trade conversations, but there’s another player that the Nets should try to move before time is up.

Guard Jevon Carter was drafted by Memphis in the second round back in 2018, and since then he’s spent time with Phoenix before arriving in Brooklyn. The Nets acquired Carter on the day of the 2021 draft as part of the deal that sent Landry Shamet to the Suns.

The 26-year-old has played in 30 games for Brooklyn so far this season and is averaging 2.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game. When he first joined the Nets, it seemed as if his defensive capabilities would come in handy, but now that the regular season is almost halfway over, it’d be a good idea for Brooklyn to trade him.

Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale wrote about one player that every team in the league needs to trade, and for the Nets, he chose Carter.

Bleacher Report proposes that the Brooklyn Nets trade Jevon Carter.

We wish that Favale did work in Brooklyn’s front office, because we agree with him.

If you look at each player on the Nets’ roster, Carter is the one that’s provided the least value. He’s been outshined by the team’s rookies, all of whom have proven they deserve a spot in the rotation.

Upon explaining the reasoning for possibly trading Carter, Favale wrote: 

"“He has not regained the outside stroke he flashed with the Phoenix Suns in 2019-20 and won’t be part of a full-strength rotation. The Nets would do well to jettison him, if only to create a roster spot. A backcourt rotation light on bodies may enjoy taking a cheap flier on his bulldog defense.”"

Carter cleared the health and safety protocols in time to make the road trip to Los Angeles at the end of December, but he didn’t provide much to Brooklyn in either game.

Against the Lakers, he played for 14 minutes and shot 1-of-6 from the field, including 0-of-4 from the 3-point line, for two points. Two nights later, Carter shot 2-of-6 from the floor for six points in 12 minutes against the Clippers.

He hasn’t contributed much on defense, either. When Steve Nash has players like David Duke Jr., Kessler Edwards, and Cam Thomas on the roster, there’s no reason for him to put Carter in the game if he’s not maximizing his potential.

So, what could the Nets get in exchange for Carter? Could Brooklyn look to add Day’Ron Sharpe to a package deal with Carter to land another shooter?

That wouldn’t be a bad idea, because even though Kyrie Irving’s back, the Nets only have him for road games. Or, Brooklyn could look to get a defensive-minded player, because that’s another need that should be addressed.

Either way, Carter’s future isn’t looking too bright with the Nets. Don’t be surprised if Sean Marks and the front office find a way to get rid of him.

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