The Boston Celtics have shown an appreciation for Phoenix Suns wing P.J. Tucker prior to this week's trade deadline, according to Sean Deveney of the Sporting News.

Within a story about the Celtics' possible Jimmy Butler pursuit (which is worth a read), Deveney suggested the team could make a minor move instead. On that front, he reported Boston has "expressed deep interest" in Tucker, a big, physical wing currently averaging 7.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.

Tucker, on an expiring contract, would help shore up Boston's biggest weakness on the defensive glass. He also hits a reasonable percentage from behind the arc (34.7 percent for his career) and strikes a physical presence. Adding him could free Brad Stevens to play huge, versatile bench lineups with Marcus Smart at point guard, Jaylen Brown at shooting guard and Tucker on the wing. Smart and Brown have both bruised opponents in the post and would cause plenty of mismatches in that combination.

Importantly, Tucker would be a cheap option. The Celtics could chase him without using any of their top assets and would still have maximum flexibility this summer after his deal expires. In the absence of a blockbuster deal, Tucker's the type of target that would make sense in a lot of ways.

For a full breakdown of Boston's situation as the trade deadline approaches, click here.