P.J. Tucker is the latest name with trade links to the Milwaukee Bucks, as reports suggest he is on their wishlist this offseason.
As the NBA prepares to lift its moratorium on trades in the coming days, it is hard to keep up with the current rumor mill surrounding the Milwaukee Bucks.
It seems like new names are coming into play every single day, and the latest tandem to find themselves in the mix has people talking. The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor reported on Thursday that the Bucks have an interest in both Robert Covington and P.J. Tucker of the Houston Rockets:
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"“Multiple league sources say the Bucks are active in trade discussions; they’re looking to move on from Eric Bledsoe, and have offered him to several teams. They’re also in pursuit of Rockets forwards Robert Covington and P.J. Tucker; Houston doesn’t have a pick in this draft and is moving toward a retooling period with Russell Westbrook wanting out.”"
I previously covered three reasons why pursuing Robert Covington makes sense, and P.J. Tucker finds himself checking off a lot of the same boxes. Without further ado, here are three reasons for the Milwaukee Bucks to target Tucker through trade.
Tucker’s value and affordability
P.J. Tucker will enter the final year of a four-year, $32 million deal and is slated to make just under $8 million for next season. That makes him an affordable trade target for the Bucks, given their limited financial capital.
However, that contract situation is something to monitor for the Bucks or any team keeping tabs on the 35-year-old. Amidst the ongoing chaos surrounding the Houston Rockets regarding players not being complacent with the organization, The Athletic’s Kelly Iko ($$) reported that Tucker is “irate” over his contract, seeking a raise for his valiant efforts this season.
Given everything that he did for the Rockets on both ends of the floor this season, his claim is surely justifiable.
Still, as it stands, his current deal makes him a cheap acquisition for teams looking to pry him away from Houston, as long as they are willing to take the gamble knowing that he wants to get paid. For what he does on the court, the Bucks should be among the suitors looking to utilize his services for at least next season.