The Boston Celtics are a team that has already had a roller coaster start to the 2020-21 NBA season. At times, they have looked like legitimate title contenders, but other times they have struggled and looked downright bad. Danny Ainge could be looking to make a trade and Houston Rockets starters Victor Oladipo and PJ Tucker could make sense as potential targets.

Brad Stevens has a very lethal starting five. Very few teams can compete with a starting unit with featuring Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum. Marcus Smart isn’t even playing right now due to injury, but he usually slides into the starting five as well.

However, the biggest issue for the Celtics is the drop-off that they face when the second unit comes into the game. That could lead to a trade with the Rockets.

Oladipo was rumored to be of interest to the Celtics in the offseason when the Indiana Pacers were trying to acquire Gordon Hayward in a sign-and-trade. That deal didn’t get done, but it would not be shocking to see Boston circle back around. Tucker would simply be a perfect bench fit for the Celtics.

So far this season in the 14 games he has played since being traded to the Rockets, Oladipo has averaged 19.0 points per game to go along with 4.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.4 steals. He has shot 39 percent from the floor and 29.7 percent from the three-point line.

Tucker, on the other hand, has struggled to find a role offensively, averaging just 4.5 points per game, while also chipping in 4.7 rebounds. He can still defend at a high level and in the right system could be a dangerous spot-up shooter.

Let’s take a look at how the Celtics could pull off a trade with the Rockets for both Oladipo and Tucker to boost their roster depth.

Boston Celtics Receive: Victor Oladipo, PJ Tucker

Houston Rockets Receive: Robert Williams III, Aaron Nesmith, 2021 1st Round Pick 

This is a deal that would have to be of interest to the Rockets. They would be bringing in two young pieces in Williams and Nesmith and another first-round pick. As they rebuild, those young pieces and draft assets will be very important.

Boston should not think twice about pulling the trigger on this deal if it is on the table. Giving up Nesmith is the biggest part of this deal for them, but being able to acquire two veteran pieces to boost their title chances would be a major plus.

There is no question that the Celtics are a top contender in the Eastern Conference. With this trade, they could vault ahead of the 76ers.

Expect to see the Celtics continue looking to make moves as the trade deadline draws closer. The Rockets are also open for business. These two teams should come together on a trade similar to this one.