On Thursday, ESPN’s Bobby Marks reported that at least two NBA teams are doing deep dives into Rodions Kurucs’ legal situation, an indication that the 6’10” forward is on the block as the Nets seek to get down to 15 players by Sunday.

After starting 46 games and averaging 8.5 PPG last year, Kurucs has been an afterthought this season, shuttling back and forth from the G League. Over the summer, Kurucs was arrested following domestic violence allegations in a case that remains ongoing. Approaching the deadline, sources say that at least two NBA teams are spending resources to conduct a full background check on Kurucs to see if he is a worthwhile trade target.

The Nets are currently at 16 players plus two two-ways. But on Sunday, Wilson Chandler’s suspension for PED use ends and they will have to make a move to get back down to 15. Chandler, says Kenny Atkinson, will be thrown into the mix immediately and the coach has praised virtually every candidate who could be moved. The decision ultimately is up to Sean Marks.

Presumably, the Nets would want a draft pick in return and are unlikely to get more than a second rounder. The deal could also be expanded. Kurucs could be the key piece in an unbalanced trade that would send him and another players out in return for a player coming in.

Marks also added other details on the Nets situation heading into the weekend, the unofficial beginning of trade season...

Brooklyn owes Atlanta a lottery-protected pick in 2020 that rolls over to 2021 and 2022. The Nets are not allowed to trade a first until two years after that pick to Atlanta is conveyed. Theo Pinson has a one-year Bird restriction and has veto power on any trade. Caris LeVert and Taurean Prince have poison pill restrictions after signing rookie extensions.

Don’t be surprised if the Nets move before Sunday.