Houston Rockets veteran P.J. Tucker could be on the move before the NBA’s trade deadline. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Rockets wouldn’t mind trading Tucker and they do not lack suitors.
In a recent appearance on NBA Countdown, Wojnarowski said that there is “a lot of interest in Tucker” with the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers monitoring the situation. Neither team has yet to pull the trigger, although the Rockets have made it clear that they want players and not picks in a deal for the veteran.
It would make sense for the Rockets to trade Tucker as the 35-year-old player is a free agent after the season. Also, they aren’t exactly positioned to challenge for a championship at the moment and are more motivated to play their younger players.
P.J. Tucker has struggled to find his rhythm this season, averaging only 4.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. However, teams appreciate his leadership, toughness, and elite defense that he brings to the table.
Adding Tucker would immediately make any team better, so it shouldn’t be surprising if the bidding war for the veteran gets heated.
Tucker entered the NBA in 2006 as the Toronto Raptors’ second-round pick. After playing only 17 games over the next two years, he embarked on a journeyman tour across Europe. He suited up for seven teams in five years before returning to NBA in 2012.
Tucker, who played for the Phoenix Suns as well, has been averaging 7.3 points and 5.8 rebounds throughout his NBA career.
