NBA: D.J. Augustin, Unheralded Players Worth Trading For

NBA: Unheralded Players Worth Trading For

Nov 6, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Darren Collison (7) after a basket against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Houston Rockets defeated the Sacramento Kings 116-110. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 29, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) is congratulated by point guard Brandon Knight (3) after scoring a basket against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Suns beat the Raptors 107-102. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

P.J. Tucker, Phoenix Suns

Position: Small Forward

Age: 30

Salary: $5,500,500

Slash Line: .431/.351/.744

Season Averages: 27.7 MPG, 6.5 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 3PM

With Eric Bledsoe undergoing season-ending knee surgery, the Phoenix Suns are no longer regarded as a team that can make the playoffs. Thus, Phoenix’s roster has become lush with trade potential.

P.J. Tucker may be the most attractive asset.

Tucker isn’t statistically elite, but he’s a hound of a defender. He uses his size, length and strength to contain scorers, and isn’t afraid to get physical and under the opposition’s skin.

Every championship contender can put that to use.

Financially, he’s owed $10.8 million between 2015-16 and 2016-17. Thus, it isn’t much of a burden to assume the risk of paying Tucker for a year and a half.

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The Suns are prioritizing the development of their youth, and that means the 30-year-old defensive wing is worth inquiring about.