6 Best trade targets to boost Celtics title odds
By Tyler Watts
2. P.J. Tucker
The veteran was traded to the Clippers in the James Harden deal but has fallen out of the rotation. Tucker has not played since Nov. 27 and isn’t happy about it. Shams Charania reported the two sides are working on a fix (subscription required).
The 6’5 forward played a key role for the Bucks on their 2021 championship team and has advanced beyond the first round of the playoffs for seven straight years. Tucker wants to play for a contender. He has been on five different teams in the last five years, but Houston, Milwaukee, Miami, and Philadelphia were all contenders with Tucker.
Fans know what the 38-year-old offers. He plays stout defense across several positions and can lock up the league’s best scorers. The Celtics would love to have Tucker to put on Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jimmy Butler, and any star wing they face in the playoffs. He can play either forward spot or some small ball five if the matchup dictates.
P.J. Tucker is a virtual zero on the offensive end at this stage of his career, but the Boston Celtics have plenty of scoring. They need a role player capable of providing a lift off the bench. Tucker’s defense would, but the C’s will have to win the bidding war.