Boston Celtics NBA Trade Rumors: Celtics Interested in Acquiring P. J. Tucker
Recent reports say the Boston Celtics are looking to make a blockbuster trade involving Chicago Bulls guard/forward Jimmy Butler, but it looks like they are not putting all their eggs in one basket.
Sean Deveney of the Sporting News has reported that if the price for Butler was too expensive for the Celtics, they might look for a cheaper alternative in Phoenix Suns forward P. J. Tucker.
"Boston has expressed deep interest in Tucker ahead of the deadline, a source said. Get Tucker, and the Celtics can add depth without giving up on a potential No. 1 pick," Deveney said in his report.
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According to A. Sherrod Blakely of CSN New England, the Bulls want "some combination of high draft picks and young veterans" in return for Butler, but the Celtics won't have to give up that much if they turn to Tucker instead.
Tucker is a reliable veteran and while his offensive numbers aren't that impressive, he can make an impact on defense. The Celtics will love to have another player who can play hard nose defense.
The Celtics want to make a huge trade to get them over the hump in the Eastern Conference, but instead of an All-Star like Butler, the team can always look to add another player to strengthen their roster and bolster their bench.
Of course, their chances of beating the Cleveland Cavaliers are much higher if they get a player like Butler. But by acquiring Tucker, the Celtics will have more room to maneuver in the offseason. They can keep the draft pick that they acquired from the Brooklyn Nets and they will get to pick one of the top players in what many consider to be the strongest draft class in years.
Celtics president Danny Ainge has always been a shrewd dealer, so it will be interesting to see what he'll do before the trade deadline.
