Just when it seemed like PJ Tucker was a lock to play out his 2-year contract with the Miami Heat, the veteran pulled a fast one and decided to opt-out of his $7.4 million player option for the 2022-23 NBA season. Entering the 2022 NBA Free Agency, PJ Tucker will certainly have plenty of suitors inquiring about his services. As an elite 3-and-D player, champion, and selfless veteran leader, Tucker would be a welcome addition to any team he joins.
It has recently been reported that the Philadelphia 76ers are the favorite to sign Tucker in free agency and are set to offer him a three-year $30 million deal. There's no denying that Tucker's rebounding, defense, and shooting would be a great fit with the Sixers. However, there are also plenty of other contending teams that may appeal to the skilled veteran forward. With all this in the fold, let's now take a look at the five NBA teams that absolutely must sign him this summer.
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Teams that must sign PJ Tucker in 2022 NBA Free Agency
After trading away JaMychal Green for a 2022 first-round pick and two future draft picks, the Denver Nuggets are left with a void to fill at the power forward spot. In Denver, Tucker would be able to come right in and have an immediate impact. His grit, tenacity, and relentless hustle play would boost team morale and make the Nuggets more aggressive on defense.
Add to that, his highly efficient three-point shooting would be a perfect fit playing alongside two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. During this year's playoffs, Tucker shot 45.1% from beyond the arc. This not only would give the Nuggets another weapon on offense, but it'd allow them to space the floor better and create more scoring opportunities for Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon.
With his versatility and stellar two-way play, PJ Tucker could thrive as a shooting guard in Atlanta. This would give Trae Young the ultimate enforcer to play off of and a knockdown shooter to run with in transition. This in turn would help Young become a more fluid defender. Tucker would also give head coach Nate McMillan a seasoned veteran who could help transform the Hawks into a top-tier defensive unit. Aiming to do all they can to surround Young with quality talent, this is one signing that would do wonders for the Hawks.
As one of the poorer defensive teams in the league, Tucker's presence would have a domino effect on the Nets. He'd undoubtedly be their anchor on that end of the floor and be able to take some of the defensive load off of Kevin Durant. Plus with Ben Simmons still working his way back from a back injury, bringing in an established high-IQ defensive playmaker like Tucker would add depth to Brooklyn's frontcourt rotation. For the Nets, the addition of a player like Tucker could be pivotal to their success next season.
2. Phoenix Suns
After coming out flat against the Dallas Mavericks at home in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals, the Phoenix Suns could definitely use all the help they can get. Whether he'd be starting or coming off the bench, PJ Tucker would be a high-energy effort player that would give the Suns quality veteran leadership and add to their three-point shooting.
His ability to play center in small-ball lineups could also pay huge dividends for Phoenix when closing out games as they'd be able to play at a faster pace. Having Tucker in the rotation would also give them another lockdown defender outside of Chris Paul, Mikal Bridges, and Jae Crowder.
They're one of the youngest teams in the league and have reached title contender status sooner than expected. Tucker joining the Memphis Grizzlies would add a much-needed veteran presence in the locker room with championship experience. On this deep and dynamic squad led by Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane, Tucker's relentless two-way play would be a perfect fit. The Grizzlies are a feisty and youthful bunch that could use more mentorship on the court and in Tucker they'd be getting exactly that.
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