NBA Playoff Race: Handicapping The Eastern Conference

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Feb 9, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

9. Brooklyn Nets

Record: 21-31

Games Back: 1.0

The Nets have the highest payroll in the NBA and yet are 10 games under .500.

That is the main reason that Brooklyn has made it known that they will trade any of their players if the receive an offer they like. Joe Johnson, Deron Williams, Kevin Garnett and Brook Lopez are the most rumored to move, and it seems highly likely that come trade deadline time that at least one of them is moved in effort to shed some money.

Once the Nets pull the trigger, it’ll be hard to see them still competing for a playoff spot. Brooklyn wants to rebuild and is very much looking to get draft picks and shed money so that they can start the process.

Next: Boston Back?