The Suns have been shopping P.J. Tucker, and- according to a report from Sean Deveney of the Sporting News– the Celtics have “deep interest” in the 31-year-old. Boston could view Tucker as an alternative to trading for Jimmy Butler; a move that would require giving up their first round draft pick. A defensive standout, Tucker has averaged six rebounds with 1.5 steals through 57 games in 2016/17.
Tucker is on an expiring contract, making $5.3MM in the final season of a three-year, $16.5MM deal. With the addition of Tucker, Deveney notes, GM Danny Ainge would be able to add depth while keeping Boston’s draft picks intact. Interestingly, Deveney points to Tucker’s locker room presence as a potential advantage over Butler, as “Jimmy Buckets” would have to be willing to assume a secondary role behind Isaiah Thomas.
If a move to the Celtics doesn’t materialize, we’ve recently seen the Timberwolves connected to Tucker as a trade deadline possibility.
He could be looked at in addition to butler, assuming they give up all the assets they’d need to for Butler, they could theoretically still use a versatile wing to replace Bradley/Crowder. It could be a deal for Tucker/Chandler b/c of their need for a big that can rebound and protect the rim. Only problem is while Chandler is rebounding well, he hasn’t blocked shots this year
If it is for Tucker as a Potential Backup to Crowder then I love the Deal. I love it more if its Tucker and Chandler, though Chandlers Stats are Down he is always going to Contest and make a Player Change there Shot and those don’t show up in a Stat Sheet. And Sometimes guys like Chandler can get a Burst of Youth and Energy by being Traded to a Contender.
Took the words right out of my mouth in regards to backing up Crowder. I love the fit honestly because he could assume that role for the second unit. I love how the Celtics are looking for defensive upgrades too.
Chandler is aging on a large contract, hard to see the C’s willing to part with anything valuable for him.
There is no way the Cs are looking at PJ Tucker as a legitimate backup plan to getting Jimmy Butler. That’s like choosing a peanut butter sandwich over a Porterhouse steak. You’re either going for a Championship or your not.
From Butler to Gallinari to Tucker. Now, this is a likely deal. Suns shopping the player and he likely won’t cost much.
Smh… why???
Didn’t the Celtics just use a top 4 draft pick on a sf.. and don’t we already have a sf that is pretty good.. and aren’t they looking at trading for butler who is a sf…
This doesn’t fix the problem that the Celtics can’t rebound.. they need to look at Monroe or vusevic..
Don’t waste assets on a mediocre sf that isn’t needed..
Celtics need a big that can defend and rebound. Let’s get Monroe or Vucevic. What?
Take a look at the numbers..
Monroe is 7 boards/night in 20 minutes and vusevic is 10 boards..
Might not be the big rim protector that a Noel is, but their offensive games are much stronger than Noel or chandler
And another sf makes zero sense.. unless it’s butler or George, why bother…
SF is meaningless in Boston because of the way they play. 2 or 3 wings on the court at a time (Really only 3 when Jerebko is on the floor). Tucker would be an additional rotation wing on this team and he’s a defensive specialist on an expiring contract who adds some depth to the rotation. I’d love this trade as a 2nd or 3rd move. If it’s the only thing they do, it’s stupid. But if they send out Bradley in a Butler deal I’d like to see them add one of Denver’s wing (Chandler/Galinnari) and Tucker for depth in the playoffs.
I’ve watched PJ for several years. Tough defender, but if you ask him, he hasn’t committed a foul since 2104 and he’s not shy about letting the refs know. He has a nice 3-point shot from the corner and, if you like the hot-head type of player (some would say “passionate”), he might be a good fit. Doesn’t mind coming off the bench, BTW. If he’s a cheap pick-up, might be OK.