Boston Celtics: 4 potential trade deadline candidates

P.J. Tucker

After Russell Westbrook and James Harden left Houston, the contending Rockets quickly became a rebuilding team. The new rebuilding team has limited assets and possible paths to return to a regular 50-plus win team. And P.J. Tucker is usually a player regularly discussed as a trade piece at the deadline. So now, he has become even more popular as the Rockets search for more assets.

Though 35-years-old, Tucker is still a great all-around defender and can play various roles on the offensive end. This season, his shooting has decreased and his overall offensive production has not been the same, but he continues to provide value. The real question is how Danny Ainge sees the Celtics’ timeline.

Tucker currently only has one year left on his contract before he becomes an unrestricted free agent, and then the Celtics would have no control over where he goes. If Ainge does not think the Celtics can win this year, it would not be worth trading for the forward.

Tucker would play off the bench to take the defensive load off some of their other guys like Teague and Pritchard, who struggled on that end this season. He, like everyone else on this list, will improve the second unit. Which, in effect, will allow the Js and the rest of Boston’s starters to rest more.

Based on reports, Tucker is likely worth a few seconds or a first unless the Celtics are willing to give up on one of their younger players to get Tucker, which is unlikely. Again, the only reason the Celtics would trade for Tucker is if the team thinks this is their best chance to compete. Otherwise, they should probably hold on to the TPE and wait until there is a better player at a better price on the market in the next couple of years.