What each Atlantic Division team needs at the deadline
The Atlantic Division is, top to bottom, the crown jewel of the East Coast. The division boasts three massive sports markets, New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, and the NBA's lone international market, Toronto.
With the NBA trade deadline only seven days away, high-level teams are gearing up to be buyers on the market. Here's a look at what five of the Eastern Conference's playoff hopefuls should be looking to acquire (or deal) at the deadline.
Boston Celtics: Rotational Center (preferably one that can space the floor)
The Boston Celtics already have arguably the NBA's most complete roster. Two explosive wing scorers in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, three defensive-minded facilitators in Derrick White, Malcolm Brogdon, and Marcus Smart (albeit currently injured), and two excellent shot-blocking bigs in Al Horford and Robert Williams III. The concerns, however, arise when key rotational players are frequently sidelined due to injury.
While Williams III has shown flashes of being a future defensive player of the year, he's only appeared in 17 games this season. Coincidently, Horford is sidelined every second game of back-to-backs. As a 36-year-old, his tenure in the league appears to be closing.
The Celtics would benefit tremendously from liquidating assets for a 7-footer. Myles Turner would be an excellent candidate. However, given his new contract extension, it appears unlikely that the Pacers are willing to deal him.
Serge Ibaka is a cheaper option. He's only played in 16 games for the Bucks, can space the floor, and can provide some rim protection off the bench. The Bucks may be unwilling to deal with a fellow championship contender, but a pick or Payton Pritchard certainly has value.
Philadelphia 76ers: Defensive Shooting Guard or Small Forward
The 76ers are another team that doesn't have many holes to fill. Joel Embiid's elevated his game to MVP candidacy, James Harden looks to be a perfect pairing for him in the pick and roll, and when Tyrese Maxey's on the court, he's an elite scoring threat.
When Embiid is in the frontcourt, he is one of the league's best defensive anchors. But the problem is when teams start to draw him out to the perimeter. Philly could benefit from acquiring a switchable wing with enough length to make shots difficult.
Suns' Jae Crowder has been the subject of trade rumors for the entire season. He's been away from the team since training camp. The Suns are simply burning salary cap with Crowder on the roster. Crowder off the bench would be invaluable for the 76ers. He shot nearly 35 percent from deep last season, alongside 1.4 steals a night. Amidst his holdout, the Suns may take any serviceable offer a team throws for Crowder.
Toronto Raptors: Retool with Young Talent
The Toronto Raptors have been a subject of skepticism surrounding their disappointing record. Despite an All-NBA caliber performance from forward Pascal Siakam to start the season, they sit outside the play-in race.
Apart from promising 21-year-old Scottie Barnes, who frankly hasn't made the sophomore-season leap expected from him, the Raptors' core has already peaked. Siakam and Fred VanVleet are both 28, and the team doesn't nearly have enough surrounding talent to compete for a title.
Yet, it's hard to imagine the Raptors blowing up their roster with trades. Barnes is practically untouchable, Siakam is an unlikely trade candidate, and there aren't many star players currently on the trade block. It's more likely the Raptors wish to retool with promising talent.
Pacers guard Chris Duarte comes to mind. With the emergence of rookies Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard, Duarte has dwindled in and out of the rotation. Plus, the Raptors have ample assets in OG Anunoby, Precious Achuiwa, Malachi Flynn, and more if they wish to get a deal done.
Brooklyn Nets: Veteran Point Guard
When Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant are playing, the Brooklyn Nets can beat any team on any given night. As soon as Durant returns from an MCL sprain that has sidelined him for over three weeks, the Nets will return to being a top threat in the East.
Brooklyn has to be careful with their two elite scorers. Both Irving and Durant are in their 30s, and both average at least 36 minutes played when they're healthy. Adding a veteran point guard that can score off the dribble and play make could take the pressure off Irving and Durant in the regular season.
Devonte Graham could be a perfect fit. He's 27 and hasn't seen the playing time in New Orleans that he once saw in Charlotte. The savvy guard would pair nicely with Durant, Irving, and their elite shooters, Seth Curry and Joe Harris. And when Ben Simmons takes on the lead playmaking role, Graham can space the floor from the perimeter.
Graham makes $11.55 million this season, so the Nets may have to explore cheaper options, But if they can land an experienced guard, Durant and Irving may be that much more effective come playoff time.
Knicks: Three and D Wing
The Knicks have been, to say the least, overachieving to start this season. After finishing as the 11th seed last season, the Knicks sit comfortably atop the play-in race.
Jalen Brunson has been excellent in his first season in New York. He's averaging 22.8 points and 6.2 assists on strong shooting splits. Meanwhile, Julius Randle looks to be back in 2021-season form, where he made the All-NBA second team.
The Knicks' starting unit has been superb. Brunson, Randle, and RJ Barrett carry most of the scoring load on a nightly basis, and rookie Quentin Grimes has shown flashes of being a promising shooter. But, if the Knicks want to be real competitors come playoff time, the team has to bolster its bench unit.
If the Raptors wished to retool and would consider trading in the division, OG Anunoby would be like striking gold for the Knicks. He's an excellent defender with an improving three-point shot and is good enough to be on the court in late-game situations. The Knicks would have to shell out more than just a penny for Anunoby.
via Raptors Rapture
Josh Richardson is a much more affordable candidate. He's 29 and doesn't exactly fit the San Antonio Spurs' rebuild timeline. However, he's quick on defensive rotations, can shoot from anywhere on the court, and is an explosive athlete.
The Knicks have young assets in Cam Reddish and Miles McBride that would entice the Spurs enough to throw a pick alongside Richardson in the deal.
