Brooklyn Nets: One trade to help their post season push

The Brooklyn Nets currently are fighting to stay alive in the playoff race. Although it is still early in the season, there is one trade that they can make to help them as they continue to push for a postseason spot.

The NBA trade deadline is coming up and general managers will be looking to make roster changes to help their teams going forward. Brooklyn Nets GM Sean Marks has been known to put together deals at this time of year to help the Nets playoff drive. He is adept at finding players who fit into Brooklyn’s system.

At this point, the Nets have a desperate need for some frontcourt help to go alongside DeAndre Jordan and Jarrett Allen. They currently start Taurean Prince at the four-spot, playing small ball basketball to begin games.

Prince was acquired in a trade during this past offseason and so far he has bought forth solid contributions for the Nets averaging 12.2 points with 6.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists, per game. Prince has started all 40 games to this point of the season. The problem isn’t Prince, but he’s playing out of position. Taurean is a small forward but due to the lack of depth at the power forward spot, he’s been forced to play out of his position.

Some fans believe that the game has become positionless. As NBA basketball is played currently, the power forward position isn’t used any longer. Traditional power forwards, who at times post up on the block, are becoming more and more obsolete. But in this case, Brooklyn needs an extra body down low, preferably someone with size who can help rebound. A little low post scoring without much post-ups would be a bonus.

One move that the Brooklyn Nets could attempt is a trade for Atlanta Hawks forward Jabari Parker. Parker is 6-8, 230 pounds. The former Duke star brings solid athleticism, rebounding ability and can around the rim. He is only 24-years-old and although some may have written him off after two ACL tears, he still makes solid contributions to his team when given the opportunity.

Parker is also a former second overall pick (2014). Although he hasn’t found a consistent role since his days in Milwaukee, Parker could be the piece to help Brooklyn down the stretch.

Parker’s size and ability to finish around the basket are things the Nets could use. This deal is one that Marks could get done if the asking price isn’t too high. The Hawks currently have an ideal young core that they plan on keeping for their future. It makes sense for Atlanta because they wouldn’t be losing a key player and could add more draft picks to their rebuild.

Making a deal like this isn’t a longshot by any means. If the Brooklyn Nets were able to pull it off, it could put them in a better position come the postseason. They would have even more depth with Jabari Parker on the roster.