If I Could Send One Player to Any Team (Atlantic Division)

 Now that the season is winding down, I want to go into full fantasy mode and play a game of 'if I could send a player to any team'.  In other words, if there's one player I could send to any team in the name of instantly making them a contender or champion, all contract considerations be damned, who would that be?

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS - NIKOLA JOKIC

I probably said at least three years ago that, due to injury, Joel Embiid needs to retire.  I no longer feel that way.  But due to health issues, he's a classic example of why some max players aren't worth the percentage of the salary cap they consume.

So in the name of having mercy on Maxey and co., I would give them the only C who's unanimously better than Embiid - Nikola Jokic.  But even Rudolph wouldn't be able to solve all of Philly's problem, as they doubled-embiided themselves by adding Paul George for whatever reason.

BROOKLYN NETS - KEVIN DURANT

It feels like a punishment recommending that any star player goes to Brooklyu.  The Nets are rebuilding in such a way that it's hard to tell when, if ever, the process will be complete.  They made a number of notable mistakes in the past when it came to starchasing.  So I guess now, the best thing to do is just stand pat.

But the reason I'm recommending Durant is on some finish-what-you-started type shit.  Remember it was he who initiated (with Kyrie) and then led that disastrous Big 3 that Brooklyn recently put together.  Then, instead of accepting his administrative shortcomings, KD started lambasting teammates as if they weren't good enough to be on the same team with him.  Damn.  But he didn't get away with that shit at all, as the 2024-25 Phoenix Suns were arguably the worst NBA superteam in history.

TORONTO RAPTORS - STEPH CURRY

Like the Sixers, another organization I sorta forgot exists is the Toronto Raptors.  And also like the Sixers, another organization that seldom seems to perform up to the talent of its rosters.

The Raptors recently acquired Brandon Ingram - a major trade that totally slipped under the radar.  That can be huge, if both Ingram and Barnes stay healthy.

If I wanted to instantly turn this team around, I'd send them someone like Steph.  Toronto isn't particularly strong in their backcourt, and they need someone marketable who knows how to win.

NEW YORK KNICKS - GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO

Remember that this is "all contract considerations be damned".  This is if I could send anyone to the Knicks  with their current roster remaining more or less intact.  Having Anunoby would be somewhat redundant if Giannis was around, unless there's an injury.  But most of the other guys would still be needed.

KAT likes to shoot from the perimeter and isn't known as a defensive force.  Giannis, on the other hand, loves to drive and is an exceptional, even if waning, defender.  I would say that, all things considered, he's definitely a better defender than Mitchell Robinson.

This would be really fantastical, if, say, NYK were able to get Giannis for Anunoby + Robinson.  I would totally feel sorry for the latter two if something like that happened.

BOSTON CELTICS - GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO

Imagine if the Celtics were able to trade Porzingis straight up for Giannis?  That's the fantasy that I'm envisioning.

I wouldn't feel sorry for Porzingis because he already has a championship, and his health, simply put, is a liability.  When Kristaps is strong, he's one of the best players in the NBA, no debate imo.  But the consistency of his strength isn't ideal on a team trying to win another championship with him as a centerpiece.