Houston Rockets veteran and shoe aficionado PJ Tucker is set to move on from the organization. While he is already 35-years old, Tucker still provides value for teams in need of outside shooting and hard-nosed defense. His game is not dependent on speed and athleticism. Further, Tucker played for years in Europe, which suggests his tires may have more tread than most players his age.
Ideally, he signs with a team in win-now mode and the Rockets get some modest assets in return. Unfortunately, PJ Tucker has been playing some of his worst basketball this season. In the 32 games he has played, he is averaging just 4.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and less than one steal and a block per outing. His percentages have fallen off a cliff as he is hitting just 36.6% from the field and 31.4% from downtown. Tucker is one of those players whose value goes beyond the stat line and the hope is that he bounces back, once there is a change in scenery.
Below are the three best trade packages that Houston can get for Tucker.
3. Boston Celtics – Tristan Thompson, 2021 and 2022 second-round picks
The Celtics have a revolving door at center with Thompson, Daniel Theis, and Robert Williams. Tucker will help bring some consistency to the position. With his shooting and versatility, he can be played at the same time as Theis and Williams or be the lone big man in small-ball lineups. The challenge will be when Boston matches up with elite bigs like Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
In turn, the Rockets get a serviceable big man in Thompson and draft capital for a player they no longer want.
2. Brooklyn Nets – Spencer Dinwiddie
These days it seems like everyone gets linked to the Nets. PJ Tucker has experience playing with Harden and will be able to feast on some of the most open shots in his life. He'll also provide much-needed defense to the team.
Dinwiddie has been a solid guard when given enough playing time, but if you're behind Kyrie Irving and James Harden chances are there won't be enough minutes to go around. Last season, Dinwiddie had averages of 20.6 points, 3.5 boards, and 6.8 assists per game. Sadly, the guard suffered a partial ACL tear that is expected to cost him this whole season.
Dinwiddie is 27-years old and grows together with Christian Wood on a rebuilding Houston team. While he can opt-out of his contract next year, the team that trades for him can offer a five-year deal instead of four, due to Bird rights.
For this deal to be possible financially, the Rockets can throw in shooter Ben McLemore, who will probably not see any action with the way Joe Harris has been playing.
1. Miami Heat – Avery Bradley, KZ Okpala
The Bradley acquisition has not panned out at all for Miami, as he has struggled with injuries. He finds himself buried in the depth chart behind the likes of Kendrick Nunn, Goran Dragić, Duncan Robinson, and Tyler Herro. He has not been the same player, since the Boston Celtics traded him in 2017.
When healthy, Bradley is similar to PJ Tucker in that he plays good defense and is a historically, reliable three-point shooter. As much as possible, the Heat would not want to part with their young players, but it better they give up Okpala rather than Precious Achiuwa. Okpala is only 21-years old, displays good athleticism, and projects as an energy guy.
Tucker would bolster the Miami frontcourt and help the team lock down a playoff spot. Also, he fits the mold of a typical Heat player, who has grit, toughness, and a desire to put the team over personal wants.
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