Celtics Have “Deep Interest” In P.J. Tucker

The Suns have been shopping P.J. Tucker, and- according to a report from Sean Deveney of the Sporting News– the Celtics have “deep interest” in the 31-year-old. Boston could view Tucker as an alternative to trading for Jimmy Butler; a move that would require giving up their first round draft pick. A defensive standout, Tucker has averaged six rebounds with 1.5 steals through 57 games in 2016/17.

Tucker is on an expiring contract, making $5.3MM in the final season of a three-year, $16.5MM deal. With the addition of Tucker, Deveney notes, GM Danny Ainge would be able to add depth while keeping Boston’s draft picks intact. Interestingly, Deveney points to Tucker’s locker room presence as a potential advantage over Butler, as “Jimmy Buckets” would have to be willing to assume a secondary role behind Isaiah Thomas.

If a move to the Celtics doesn’t materialize, we’ve recently seen the Timberwolves connected to Tucker as a trade deadline possibility.

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