Report: Rockets could trade PJ Tucker ‘sooner rather than later’
The sense from other NBA teams is that the Houston Rockets could trade veteran forward PJ Tucker “sooner rather than later,” according to Thursday’s update by Shams Charania of The Athletic.
With Tucker months from free agency and without a contract extension, the Rockets are open to trading him before the March 25 trade deadline, rather than risk him leaving for no compensation in the offseason.
Here’s the latest update by Charania, who cites Brooklyn as among the teams to express interest. Tucker and Nets star James Harden became very close over recent seasons in Houston, and they shared a lengthy embrace after Wednesday’s game between the Nets and Rockets.
The Rockets have a veteran player who has the intrigue of many of the league’s contenders: Forward PJ Tucker. The Nets, Bucks, Heat, Nuggets, and Lakers are expressing interest in Tucker, sources said. Multiple teams have sensed a deal could develop sooner rather than later for Tucker, but the timing is likely dependent on the Rockets’ asking price. As of now, Houston has sought a young player back in a trade, sources said.
Tucker, 35, is a versatile forward who’s able to defend multiple positions. So far this season, he has averaged 4.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 30 minutes per game.
◾️ Pistons are expected to work toward a buyout with Blake Griffin.
◾️ Nets, Bucks, Heat, Nuggets & Lakers are expressing interest in P.J. Tucker.
◾️ @ShamsCharania's Inside Pass on Andre Drummond, John Collins, Caris LeVert & much more NBA trade talk: https://t.co/r1SZjfLJeV pic.twitter.com/KCCGnpsVuL
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) March 4, 2021
Across the board, Tucker’s numbers are the lowest of his four years with the Rockets. However, as his teammates and coaches recently explained, his value is tough to capture in basic statistics. For starters, Tucker is a clear veteran leader and respected voice in the locker room, as shown by the testimonials of those consistently around him.
Moreover, there are additional benefits from Tucker’s extreme durability and toughness. Dating to 2012-13, the 6-foot-5 forward has played in the most games of any NBA player on any team. Those are among the many reasons why Houston general manager Rafael Stone likely has a high asking price for Tucker, even at 35 years old and in a contract year.
The Rockets (11-23) enter the All-Star break on a 13-game losing streak, which is their longest as a franchise in over 20 years. Barring a major turnaround, Houston’s status as a clear non-contender in the 2020-21 season would seem to boost the odds of a Tucker trade getting done.
