The chances of Giannis Antetokounmpo being traded to the Celtics are slim to none, but the chances that the best player in the East gets traded out of the conference are much higher. We know that teams like the Knicks and Heat have interest, but they may not have much to offer. We also know that the Warriors are in the mix with the Timberwolves being a dark horse as well.
With the Greek Freak truly on the market, surely many teams all over the league will inquire about the Bucks’ franchise player. If this gets dragged into the offseason, the list of potential suitors would multiply as you’d have teams fresh off of playoff disappointments, plus more trade assets available.
And if Giannis does end up getting moved to the West, the clear best player in the East would be a healthy Jayson Tatum, with Jaylen Brown not far behind. JT already had a claim before his injury, but this would leave no doubt. There wouldn’t be another player close to as accomplished with a title in their pocket, and no other star has risen to that level.
The next tier would include players like Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Brunson, and Donovan Mitchell, but their resumes pale in comparison to Tatum’s, and they are closer to being in the realm of Brown.
Celtics would own massive edge in weak Eastern Conference
There is plenty of talent in the East, but it all comes with question marks. Joel Embiid won an MVP, but his health is a constant issue, and his playoff success has been limited. Tyrese Haliburton just led the Pacers to the Finals, but that run came out of nowhere and ended with an achilles tear of his own.
After that, there are a lot of guys still trying to prove themselves. That’s familiar territory for the Celtics, as they were in that exact position not too long ago. But the tables have turned, and once this team is healthy, they’ll be the biggest, baddest bullies on the block.
Although the Bucks have fallen off badly in recent years, Giannis is still the only player who can hold himself in as high esteem as the Boston stars. He’s a perennial MVP candidate who won two in a row and won a title and Finals MVP in Milwaukee. He’s Teflon.
But if he’s out West? Suddenly, there’s nobody around who can hold a candle to this Celtics superstar duo. Knowing that you’re the only ones who have actually gotten it done and everyone else is chasing you is a hell of a mindset and builds a ton of confidence for a team to take into every matchup.
It’s not everything. But it’s not nothing either.