Potential TPE target for Boston Celtics No. 5) P.J. Tucker, Houston Rockets
One of the toughest guys in the league today, P.J. Tucker is a great 3-and-D player for virtually any championship aspiring ball club.
At only $7.9 million, if the Boston Celtics were to bring on the likes of the veteran wing, they’d not only be utilizing their TPE, but also would leave open about $20 million of the exception to make other moves thereafter should they so choose.
Like we have stated often, Hartwell acknowledges that Tucker may not be the biggest name available on the block, but he is one that can certainly make an impact on a winning ball club:
"Tucker isn’t the sexiest name on this list and wouldn’t necessarily get Boston over the hump on his own. But he’d still be a good fit as a rock-solid power forward who can provide defensive muscle and space the floor with a respectable 3-point shot. Houston might go nuclear if James Harden forces his way out, and Tucker could be a cost-effective trade option for the Celtics, especially if Tristian Thompson’s hamstring continues to act up."
Tucker is the best traditional power forward that is attainable, and he could even find himself starting on this year’s Celtics team right out of the gate with so many injuries to their front line players.