NBA Trade Rumors: Predicting Big Names Who Will Be Traded Before Deadline

P.J. Tucker, SF, Phoenix Suns

In the last month, P.J. Tucker has been one of the more popular names discussed in trade rumors. With that being the case, he seems like a solid prediction as a guy who will actually be shipped off before this year’s deadline.

I mean, the Suns have already received interest in their outstanding small forward.

The Minnesota Timberwolves recently offered Shabazz Muhammad for Tucker (via BasketballInsiders.com). Arizona Sports 98.7 also named several teams, including the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers, as potential trade partners for Tucker.

Tucker is in the final year of his current contract, which has essentially necessitated a move by Phoenix. Seeing as he’s in the midst of a career year, the Suns want to cash in instead of letting him simply walk via free agency.

It also helps that he’s quietly asserted himself as one of the NBA’s top defenders. He’s proven capable of locking down any opponent this season, making him a viable target for almost every contender.

Considering his contract situation, modest $5.3 million salary and defensive value, Tucker seems nearly guaranteed to be on the move in the next couple of weeks. Someone will get desperate and make a big offer for Tucker, at which point the Suns will pull the trigger and bid him farewell.