With just over a month to go until the 2021 NBA close, competitors are trying to tweak their rosters, and apparently some of them have the same goal in mind.
The Bucks and Lakers are part of a group of teams who, according to multiple reports, have an interest in Rockets forward PJ Tucker. The 35-year-old didn’t produce any noticeable numbers during his time in Houston (6.6 points, 5.8 rebounds per game over the past four seasons), but he’s kept falling short of his worth as a reversible defender and spot-up shooter Proven and leader in the locker room. These skills make him a great partner for any franchise pursuing a championship.
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Wrestler’s Kevin O’Connor recently reported on the situation in Milwaukee:
League sources told me in November that the bucks were chasing PJ Tucker from the missiles. Your interest remains to this day. Tucker would absolutely help. He is a strong defender who could thrive in small ball lineups alongside Giannis. Tucker turns 36 in May and will be a free agent this off-season, but trading opportunities are limited with an empty locker of assets.
And ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski shared the latest news from Los Angeles:
The Lakers were active. I know they called some wingers to see if there were any shots available out there. Another player they’re interested in: PJ Tucker of the Houston Rockets. There is great interest among competitors in Tucker, which is in the final year of its deal. The Miami Heat … Milwaukee, Brooklyn, some others. One thing I’ve been told is that Houston wants back, not picks, but a player they can put back on their line-up.
As both O’Connor and Wojnarowski noted, Tucker is in the final year of his contract and making just under $ 8 million after reportedly turning down an offer to extend the Rockets. While trading Tucker would be a win, potential applicants would need to consider his upcoming free trade when determining how much they are willing to give up. Houston’s asking price could be high given the number of prospects.
If the Bucks, Lakers, and others think Tucker will improve their title chances, they may be ready to pay that price. Figuring out how to adjust salaries and agreeing which players are part of a Tucker deal can pose some problems. However, you can never ignore the creativity of the NBA front offices when the pressures of the trade deadline weigh on them.
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