A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving by first network device a request for storage resources from a second network device; evaluating a willingness of the first network device to provide the requested storage resources and assigning a willingness score based on the evaluating; determining whether the willingness score is greater than a minimum value; and if the willingness score is greater than the minimum value, providing a response to the request from the first network device to the second network device, wherein the response comprises a bid by the first network device to provide the requested storage resources to the second network device.