Hardwood Houdini
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Boston Celtics: 3 trade targets on the Houston Rockets

By Andrew DiIorio

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 26: Victor Oladipo #7 of the Houston Rockets in action during a game against the Washington Wizards at Toyota Center on January 26, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 26: Victor Oladipo #7 of the Houston Rockets in action during a game against the Washington Wizards at Toyota Center on January 26, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

2) Trade Target #2: P.J. Tucker

P.J. Tucker has been linked to the Boston Celtics for the majority of the season. Like Oladipo, it makes no sense for the Rockets’ front office to hang onto the 35-year-old, as he’ll be out of the league by the time they are competitive again.

Tucker’s box stats don’t jump out at NBA fans, but his impact on the court is much greater than that. Assigned with being Houston’s starting center throughout the latter half of last season, the veteran showed his versatility and willingness to help the team win.

His role on offense is one of the simplest in the league – stand in the corner and shoot threes. He holds the lowest usage rate of all bigs in the league this season at a minuscule 8.2%, and only scores 99.3 points per 100 shot attempts. He is averaging 4.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 29.6 minutes a game this year.

Additionally, his efficiency has taken a turn for the worse in the 2020-21 season, shooting only 31.7% on attempts from downtown this year – his worst clip since 2013. For reference, Tucker only takes 4.2 shot attempts per game, with 2.7 of them being from beyond the arc.

Obviously, he won’t be acquired for anything more than a respected corner-three shooter on the offensive end. However, defensively, think of him as a more experienced, stronger, and more disciplined Grant Williams. He is the type of player that GM Danny Ainge hopes Williams to develop into in the next couple of years.

Tucker would be the cheapest option of the three, as he’s both an expiring contract and a player well past his prime. In his career in Houston, he has proved to be a winning player, helping his team to the Western Conference finals in 2018. Any team would love to have him, and that includes the Boston Celtics.