Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley sees the Atlantic Division shifting in major ways around the Boston Celtics this summer in a piece breaking down the most realistic potential trades of the NBA offseason.
While thankfully no absurd Jaylen Brown proposal was included, three of the other four teams in the Atlantic Division were listed as trade partners in the piece.
Buckley projected the Knicks making the biggest splash, trading away R.J. Barrett, Obi Toppin, and Isaiah Hartenstein for DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso. The other two teams (Raptors, Nets) sold off their best trade assets (OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges) for intriguing packages. Toronto would land Tyus Jones, Ziaire Williams, a second-round pick, and two first-rounders for Anunoby, while the Nets got Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe, a future second, and a future first-round pick.
The Atlantic Division could shift from No. 2 to No. 5 but the Boston Celtics will still be No. 1
There’s a chance that by the time the offseason comes, the Boston Celtics will have just won a championship considering their league-best odds at the moment. Of course, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks loom large in the east while Kevin Durant could be the missing piece for the Suns. Coming close but having no cigar by the end of this upcoming postseason run is painfully possible.
Regardless, if the Cs get to at least the conference finals, don’t expect big changes in the offseason besides a Payton Pritchard trade and letting Grant Williams walk in free agency. Even then, an MLE signing and the possible return of Danilo Gallinari could be the reinforcements the front office relies on.
And that’s fine. Keeping the core together would guarantee at least one more season at the top of the Atlantic Division. If fireworks took place this offseason that resemble what Buckley has in mind, the shift could take place regarding the No. 2 to No. 5 spots in the standings.
No. 1 would be in tact regardless.