One NBA writer has named Philadelphia 76ers forward PJ Tucker as the Boston Celtics’ most “ambitious” trade target.
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report believes the Celtics should try to trade for Tucker. Doing so would enable Boston to have more frontcourt depth, with Robert Williams III having an injury history, while also helping Williams to be more of a roamer in the half-court on defense alongside Tucker.
“P.J. Tucker just turned 38 and is extremely shot-volume shy. He’s also exactly what the Celtics need,” Favale wrote. “Boston has seen Robert Williams III struggle to stay on the floor against certain lineups this postseason. Tucker lets the Celtics downsize to one big without significantly harming their defensive presence near the basket and on the glass. He doesn’t come close to matching RW3’s rim pressure, but opposing teams have to respect his corner three when he’s actually firing away.
“Landing Tucker opens up even more micro-lineup options, as well. Boston can use him as the de facto 5 in all-wing arrangements,” Favale explained. “He’s also great insurance against a suddenly harsher Al Horford aging curve, RW3’s injury history and Grant Williams’ potential departure in restricted free agency.”
Tucker averaged 3.5 points and 3.9 rebounds this season for the Sixers while shooting 42.7% from the field and 39.3% from beyond the arc. He’s regarded as one of the top defenders in the NBA.
The Sixers signed Tucker to a three-year, $33 million contract last summer. He’ll make $11 million next season. The Celtics beat the Sixers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in seven games. Boston was down 3-2 in the series but won Games 6 and 7.
Tucker has career averages of 6.8 points and 5.5 rebounds with the Toronto Raptors, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks and Sixers. He won the 2021 championship with Milwaukee over Phoenix.
It will be interesting to see what moves Celtics president Brad Stevens makes this summer. Boston made the NBA Finals last season, so losing in the Eastern Conference Finals this season has to be considered a setback.
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