The Boston Celtics have been cruising through this NBA season with one goal in mind: the playoffs. After securing the NBA championship last year, the regular season feels more like a formality for this squad. While they remain one of the top teams in the league, the Celtics are fully focused on what happens once the postseason begins. Their roster is stacked, but the front office is always on the lookout for ways to make this team even better.
With the new CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) restrictions now in place, the buyout market could be the Celtics’ best option for improving the roster. Every year, teams in contention for a title look to add veteran pieces from the buyout market, and this season, the Celtics could have an opportunity to land a key contributor.
P.J. Tucker: A Potential Buyout Candidate
One name recently mentioned as a potential target for Boston is P.J. Tucker, the veteran wing currently playing for the Los Angeles Clippers. Bobby Marks, ESPN’s NBA insider, recently weighed in on Tucker as a possible addition for the Celtics, although there are some uncertainties to consider.
“Tucker is interesting,” Marks said. “That’s something the Celtics would have to do their homework on, not from a trade standpoint, just from a waiver standpoint. His salary is below that threshold, but he hasn’t played all year. How do you integrate him? Is he happy? You saw Jae Crowder, who was out of the league for a while, is in Sacramento now. The name sounds great, but what’s the production going to be?”
Marks’ comments reflect some of the concerns surrounding Tucker’s potential fit with the Celtics. The forward hasn’t played this season, and questions about his readiness and mindset would need to be addressed. However, Tucker’s track record as a rugged defender and his playoff experience are hard to ignore.
Why the Celtics Could Be Interested
Tucker’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor has made him a sought-after player throughout his career. Known for his tough defense, Tucker has been a key contributor on multiple NBA Finals teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks in their 2021 title run. His reputation as a gritty defender and veteran leader would provide the Celtics with some much-needed toughness, particularly in the postseason.
Though his role would likely be limited, Tucker could give the Celtics valuable minutes off the bench, especially in the grind-it-out, physical playoff series where defense and veteran presence often make the difference. His experience guarding top wing players would be a huge asset to Boston, especially as they look to make another deep run in the postseason.
In the current landscape of the NBA, a player like Tucker can still have a significant impact, even if he’s not logging heavy minutes during the regular season. In short bursts, his defense could make a difference—especially when the stakes are highest.
Is It a Likely Move?
The Clippers have been trying to trade Tucker for some time now, but a deal has yet to materialize. If they end up cutting him, or if a team that trades for him decides to release him, the Celtics could find themselves with an opportunity to bring in the former NBA champion through the buyout market. However, this process is far from guaranteed. As Marks mentioned, the Celtics would need to carefully assess Tucker’s fitness, role acceptance, and overall impact before making a move.
Given the Celtics’ current roster, Tucker wouldn’t be expected to be a major contributor in terms of minutes. However, he could serve as a reliable role player when needed, adding depth and toughness to a team that is already primed for another championship run. If the Celtics can land him on a buyout, it could provide them with a valuable postseason weapon who knows how to step up when the pressure is on.
Looking Ahead
At this point, it’s still a long way from a potential addition. The Celtics have plenty of time to assess their options, and the buyout market will be full of opportunities. P.J. Tucker may not be the flashiest option out there, but his experience, defensive prowess, and championship pedigree could make him a worthwhile addition to Boston’s title hopes. As always, it will come down to how he fits into their system and what role he’s willing to accept. But with the Celtics’ eyes firmly set on a deep playoff run, adding a veteran presence like Tucker could be the move that puts them over the top.
If Tucker does make his way to the TD Garden in the coming months, don’t be surprised if he’s the unsung hero in a key playoff series, providing the grit and experience that could make all the difference when it matters most.
