LA Clippers Rumors: PJ Tucker frustrated in Houston
The LA Clippers don’t figure to be extremely active on the trade market if recent rumors are to be believed. However, if they do get the opportunity to add someone who can help them without giving up a ton, they might pull the trigger.
That opportunity could arise in the form of PJ Tucker, who is reportedly unhappy with how the Houston Rockets have handled him this season. Tucker, a key member of the Rockets over the past few years, wants a chance to play with a contender after Houston blew up their roster this season by trading away Russell Westbrook and James Harden.
The LA Clippers could attempt to make a move for PJ Tucker if they believe he benefits the team and the price is right.
Tucker is 35 years old and is on an expiring deal. His $7.5 million contract this season does make it tricky for the Clippers to acquire him, however. If rumors are to believed, the team is only looking to make marginal improvements, meaning they probably don’t want to move any of their core pieces.
Contractually, a one-for-one swap of Lou Williams for Tucker works but the Clippers aren’t likely moving Williams. Luke Kennard is making $5.2 million this season and could be moved alongside the likes of Mfiondu Kabengele, Daniel Oturu, and second-round picks but Houston would have to be okay with Kennard’s extension kicking in next season.
There are a few other options, such as moving Patrick Beverley and taking back additional salary but there just doesn’t seem to be a clean avenue. Perhaps there is a three-team deal out there that nets the Clippers Tucker but predicting that is nearly impossible.
The Clippers might be better off hoping that the Rockets are unable to move Tucker and instead buy him out of his deal but with such a tradable contract, that seems unlikely.
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Given this front office’s track record, I expect them to at least kick the tires on Tucker. More wing depth is always a plus and the Clippers could utilize him as a small-ball center at times. He would also give the team one more defender to throw at the likes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, or whatever other elite wings the Clips may encounter in the postseason.