Toronto loads up, ditches former Celtic Jared Sullinger for PJ Tucker
The Toronto Raptors are going all-in, having traded ex- Boston Celtic big man Jared Sullinger and a pair of second-round picks for Phoenix Suns wing PJ Tucker.
Sullinger, who was looked at as potentially a starter for the Raptors, had found himself on the outside of the rotation looking in after a predictable foot injury and subsequent inconsistent play forced Toronto to look elsewhere. Perhaps sensing weakness in the Cleveland Cavaliers after LeBron James' recent gripes over a playmaker and injuries to Kevin Love and JR Smith, first snatched up a potential Boston target in Serge Ibaka, then sniped another rumored target in Tucker.
Many Boston fans are unhappy with these kinds of moves going on while big names stay pat and Boston seemingly disinterested in gunning for a finals showdown with roster tinkering, but several players - including Andrew Bogut, Terrence Jones, and maybe even Larry Sanders - might be available for signing once they clear waivers (or, in the case of Sanders, make a good enough impression).
It's still too early to judge the results of the trade deadline with moving parts still shaking loose, but for now at least, it seems like Danny Ainge and company have their sights set on long-term stability over short-term gains.
For more stories about the trade deadline on CelticsLife, click here. For more by Justin, click here.
Photo via Rick Scuteri/Associated Press
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Sources: Toronto is sending Jared Sullinger and two future second-round picks to Phoenix for PJ Tucker.— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) February 23, 2017
Sullinger, who was looked at as potentially a starter for the Raptors, had found himself on the outside of the rotation looking in after a predictable foot injury and subsequent inconsistent play forced Toronto to look elsewhere. Perhaps sensing weakness in the Cleveland Cavaliers after LeBron James' recent gripes over a playmaker and injuries to Kevin Love and JR Smith, first snatched up a potential Boston target in Serge Ibaka, then sniped another rumored target in Tucker.
With no second trade looming for Andrew Bogut, league sources say Bogut and the Sixers will immediately begin contract buyout discussions.— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 23, 2017
Many Boston fans are unhappy with these kinds of moves going on while big names stay pat and Boston seemingly disinterested in gunning for a finals showdown with roster tinkering, but several players - including Andrew Bogut, Terrence Jones, and maybe even Larry Sanders - might be available for signing once they clear waivers (or, in the case of Sanders, make a good enough impression).
The Pelicans are now expected to waive Terrence Jones, according to sources, so that he can pursue other options.— Justin Verrier (@JustinVerrier) February 23, 2017
It's still too early to judge the results of the trade deadline with moving parts still shaking loose, but for now at least, it seems like Danny Ainge and company have their sights set on long-term stability over short-term gains.
Danny Ainge: "I am excited, actually. I was watching practice today, I was very excited by what I saw. I’m not disappointed. Not at all."— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) February 23, 2017
For more stories about the trade deadline on CelticsLife, click here. For more by Justin, click here.
Photo via Rick Scuteri/Associated Press
Follow Justin at @justinquinnn