Toronto Raptors Acquire PJ Tucker from Phoenix Suns

Will this move allow the Raps to compete against LeBron and the Cavs?

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pj tucker

The Toronto Raptors have made it clear that they're gunning for big things in the NBA postseason, after completing another high-profile move. The deal in question made headlines right before today's trade deadline commenced, and was initially reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical. It was soon confirmed by league reps that the Raps had acquired PJ Tucker from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Jared Sullinger and two future second round picks. The 31-year-old Tucker is expected to provide consistent three-point and perimeter shooting in relief of the recently dealt SF, Terrence Ross.

This latest trade comes just nine days after Toronto GM, Masai Ujiri, landed big power forward, Serge Ibaka, from the Orlando Magic. Both deals are generally believed to be considerable upgrades, something that Toronto hopes will allow them to compete against obvious Eastern conference favourite, the Cleveland Cavaliers. Speaking with Sportsnet, Ujiri mirrored the sentiment. "I think the way the East is situated, there’s Cleveland at the top and then I think there’s five, six, seven teams that could catch steam at any time, and momentum, and it’s whoever does at the right time, then maybe you find yourselves there. We want to give ourselves the best shot to be there."

In terms of this latest acquisition, Ujiri believes that Tucker is a sign of the Raptors going all in. "I think this team, the coaches, the players, the fans, the organization, I think they deserve it." As to what Tucker brings to the table for the team, Uriji replied with the word "toughness". We'll see how the dominoes fall for the Raps, when PJ Tucker makes his debut later this week.

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