Suns trade P.J. Tucker to Raptors

The Toronto Raptors have added yet another defense-first forward.

The Phoenix Suns have traded forward P.J. Tucker to Toronto for Jared Sullinger and two second-round picks in 2017 and 2018.

Tucker is limited offensively, but he is a tenacious defender who relishes physical defensive play. He is best suited to guarding wings or small-ball fours - a particular weakness for the Raptors in recent seasons.

Having traded Terrence Ross in their earlier deal for Serge Ibaka, the Raptors had a shortage of wings and too many bigs. This deal restores balance to the Raptors' rotation.

Tucker will most likely play as the backup small forward serving as an insurance policy behind the injury-hobbled DeMarre Carroll.

As for the Suns, they salvaged some value for Tucker who is on an expiring contract. They had hoped for a first, but two seconds is a worthy consolation for a 31-year-old slated to leave.

Phoenix also receives Sullinger, who is an expiring deal with some modest promise. A foot injury cost him most of the season and rendered him largely unplayable.