P.J. Tucker Trade Rumors: Rockets 'Set a Strong Price'; Nets No Longer in Market

The Houston Rockets could deal P.J. Tucker before the March 25 NBA trade deadline, but they are reportedly setting a high asking price for the veteran forward.

Per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the Rockets have set a "strong price" for Tucker that includes a "young talented player."

Charania also noted the Brooklyn Nets are "no longer believed to be involved" in pursuit of Tucker after adding Blake Griffin in free agency.

Charania reported last week the Nets were among five playoff contenders interested in Tucker. The Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets were the others. 

Tucker's time with the Rockets appears to have come to an end, though it remains to be seen if it will come via trade or buyout. 

Houston head coach Stephen Silas addressed Tucker's status with reporters after a 125-105 loss to the Sacramento Kings on March 11: 

“We’re going to try to figure out something that works for him and works for us as far as him not being on the team anymore. I was under the assumption that he was going to play tonight and he didn’t play. That was disappointing. ... He decided that he was just not really with it, and we decided that that’s a good idea. Let’s move on."

Houston would seem to have its eye on the future after trading James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets in January. The Rockets currently have the second-worst record in the Western Conference (11-26) and have lost 16 straight games since Feb. 6. 

Tucker's contract and defensive versatility will likely make him one of the most sought-after players this trade season. The 35-year-old is making $7.97 million this season. He's averaging 4.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in 32 starts with the Rockets.