Rockets Trade Rumors: '70%' of NBA Has Called About P.J. Tucker
P.J. Tucker may be on his way out of the Houston Rockets organization via a trade.
The Athletic's Sam Amick reported Monday that "70 percent of the league" has called about Tucker, who left the team on Friday after the two sides agreed to part ways.
Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reinforced Monday that the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers are among the teams that Houston has gone back and forth with, more than a week after initially reporting that the Brooklyn Nets and Denver Nuggets were also "expressing interest."
Amick said Monday that the Nets and Nuggets "are not expected to still be in pursuit."
But while the Rockets have received calls, the team has a steep asking price for teams looking to take advantage of the veteran forward's services. Amick said that the Rockets are reportedly "seeking a young impact player" and a first-round pick in exchange for Tucker, who is averaging 4.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game through 32 starts. He is earning $7.97 million this season.
The desire for players that can make their presence felt immediately makes sense for Houston.
Head coach Stephen Silas told reporters Thursday that it was time to "move on," as the team holds the second-worst record in the Western Conference 11-26, having lost 16 games in a row dating back to Feb. 6.
The trade deadline is the last opportunity for the Rockets to get some major assistance on the court before they can officially hang up the towel on a lost 2020-21 season.
