Ranking the 3 Rumored Trade Packages for the LA Clippers
3. LA Clippers’ rumored trade: P.J. Tucker for three second-round picks
There is no doubt that the Clippers could use some help on the bench. Outside of Morris, the Clippers have up-and-down performances from Williams, center Ivica Zubac, and shooting guard Luke Kennard. They could use another playmaker to solidify the offensive and defensive side of the court.
35-year-old Houston Rockets forward/center P.J. Tucker has been on several trade discussions since the emergence of newly acquired Christian Wood and DeMarcus Cousins as key players. It feels like Tucker’s role has diminished in this new Rockets system since Mike D’Antoni was fired as the head coach after the last disappointing postseason run. Both Tucker and the Rockets are bound to part ways soon.
More than a week ago, ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst confirmed the Rockets are seeking a collection of Draft picks. They are seeking a realistic approach of three second-round picks. The Clippers have been known to trade away first-round picks in the past. They will have a first-round pick but no second-round pick for the 2021 NBA Draft. They will not have a first-round pick until the 2027 NBA Draft but they will have two second-round picks every year from 2022 to 2026.
More. How the LA Clippers could get involved in a PJ Tucker trade. light
Adding reliability and depth to the Clippers will be an area of concern before the end of the 2021 NBA Trade Deadline on March 25th. A player like Tucker can add some stability to the roster as he can help establish plays on the bench much like Batum does for the starters.
He does not provide too much input in the shooting game for the Rockets this season. In the 23 games he started for Houston this season, Tucker averages 4.7 points per game on a field-goal percentage of 38.9% and 33.3% from the three-point arc.
For the Clippers to give up three second rounds picks for a player like Tucker that can impact the bench whenever he doesn’t have the ball doesn’t match the productivity of what the picks could be worth. Tucker is also on an expensive $7.9 contract in his final year.