Milwaukee Bucks: Predicting where impending free agents will soon sign
By Dalton Sell
Free agency prediction No. 4 – P.J. Tucker re-signs with the Milwaukee Bucks
After playing a key role in their title run, it seems like an agreement between P.J. Tucker and the Bucks will be in the cards.
First and foremost, they hold his Bird rights, which means they will be able to go over the salary cap to re-sign him. Tucker was eligible for a two-year extension worth $17 million when the Bucks traded for him back in March, but the two sides seemingly agreed not to discuss anything until after the season so they would not cause any distractions. Recently turning 36-years-old, a deal similar to that in the short-term range could still realistically be worthwhile.
Whatever the case might be in negotiations, reaching an agreement with Tucker would be a huge boost for the Bucks. His robust defense was crucial throughout the team’s title run and keeping him in the fold with other household defenders like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, and Brook Lopez would help keep this defensive unit formidable. This team has prided itself on their defensive excellence, and keeping someone like Tucker, that is as versatile as ever defensively, would be a great player to have on their side.
Most contending teams across the landscape will be looking to target Tucker once free agency begins on August 2, but all signs point toward Milwaukee being his home. The veteran has stated on many occasions how the Bucks were atop the list of his preferred trade destinations as he feuded with the Houston Rockets before being traded. With the franchise holding his Bird rights, it makes it all the likelier that he will stick around.