The Boston Celtics squandered a prime opportunity to close the gap on the Cleveland Cavaliers for the top position in the Eastern Conference. After establishing an impressive 25-3 lead in the first quarter, they ultimately fell victim to the Cavs' comeback, marking the largest such reversal in the NBA this season. Now trailing by 7.5 games, the Celtics face a daunting task ahead of the playoffs. A glaring issue is their defensive inefficiency, particularly from the bench, which could be addressed by adding P.J. Tucker, recently bought out by the Toronto Raptors. Tucker, a seasoned veteran with championship experience, could provide the necessary depth and defensive prowess the Celtics desperately need.

The Toronto Raptors have made significant moves ahead of the NBA trade deadline, trading guard Davion Mitchell to the Miami Heat in exchange for veteran forward P.J. Tucker, a 2026 second-round draft pick, and cash. Mitchell, acquired from the Sacramento Kings, has shown promise this season with averages of 6.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists over 44 games, particularly excelling defensively. Meanwhile, Tucker has had a quieter season, posting just 1.7 points and 2.7 rebounds across 31 games.

Additionally, the Raptors have reportedly acquired small forward Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans for Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and multiple draft picks. Ingram, despite missing significant time with an ankle injury, has impressive stats this season with averages of 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. This comes after Toronto’s earlier acquisition of Olynyk, who has faced injury challenges this season, averaging 7 points and 3.6 rebounds.

Currently, the Raptors sit at 16-36, with a 42.1% chance of landing a top-four pick in the upcoming NBA draft. They will look to regroup as they face the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are riding a three-game winning streak.

The Toronto Raptors have made a significant trade ahead of the NBA's deadline, sending guard Davion Mitchell to the Miami Heat for veteran forward P.J. Tucker, a future second-round pick, and cash. This transaction comes just after the Raptors acquired Mitchell from the Sacramento Kings in the offseason. Mitchell, who has been notable for his defensive skills, averaged 6.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 44 games this season. Meanwhile, Tucker has had two previous stints with the Raptors, but has only averaged 1.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in 31 games this season.

As part of a busy trade day, reports indicate the Raptors also acquired small forward Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and draft picks. Ingram, a six-foot-eight player, is known for his scoring prowess, averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists this season despite being sidelined since December with an ankle injury. The Raptors, currently positioned poorly at 16-36, have aspirations for a high draft pick in the upcoming lottery, with Cooper Flagg emerging as a consensus top prospect.

Veteran P.J. Tucker has been one of the most active players in the NBA trade market leading up to the 2025 trade deadline. Recently traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz, Tucker was then swiftly moved to the Toronto Raptors, marking his third stint with the franchise where he began his career in 2006. In a series of trades, Tucker, who is known for his defensive prowess and three-point shooting, has been a key asset despite minimal appearances this season due to a dispute with the Clippers.

His career has seen him traverse multiple teams including the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets, and Miami Heat, consistently proving his value as a role player. Notably, Tucker has averaged 6.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game over his career and is currently a trade chip valued at $11.5 million.

Davion Mitchell has been traded from the Toronto Raptors to the Miami Heat in exchange for PJ Tucker, a second-round pick, and cash. Mitchell, who was the ninth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, has shown promise during his time with the Raptors, where he averaged 6.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists while shooting 43.4% from the field this season. With the Heat, who currently sit sixth in the Eastern Conference, Mitchell is expected to contribute significantly.

The Raptors have made notable moves, acquiring both Brandon Ingram and PJ Tucker, effectively increasing their payroll in the process. Trading Mitchell allows them to receive two second-round picks, which indicates a strategic approach to reshaping their roster.