Houston Rockets: 3 players likeliest to be dealt by NBA trade deadline

Houston Rockets: First likeliest player to be dealt by trade deadline – P.J. Tucker

P.J. Tucker’s displeasure with the Houston Rockets has been an ongoing storyline for months now. In November, amidst the chaos of Russell Westbrook and James Harden both requesting trades, The Athletic’s Kelly Iko, Sam Amick, and Shams Charania ($$) reported that Tucker was “irate” about his ongoing contract situation.

Making an expiring $7 million this season, Tucker is still yet to receive an extension from Houston, and it seems more likely with each passing day that he will be traded. If so, the trade market for him will be highly active. Along with the affordability that comes with his $7 million salary, Tucker has a versatile set of skills that is hard to come by in today’s NBA.

Most notably, Tucker is one of the most robust defenders in the association. Despite standing at just 6’5″, the swingman weighs in at 245lbs, allowing him to provide a hulking presence defensively. He can guard several positions at a top-tier level, never backing down from even the most difficult assignments. Tucker is well known for his 3-point prowess on the other side of the ball, most notable from either corner, where he is a lights-out shooter.

With his fantastic two-way play and affordable salary penciled into the equation, there are very few contenders that should not have an interest in P.J. Tucker. He could bolster any team’s frontcourt, whether in a starting role or the second unit.

It also appears that Houston might be preparing for a future without Tucker, potentially gearing up for potential offers as the trade deadline inches closer. As detailed in another reporting by the aforementioned Kevin O’Connor, the Rockets are reportedly asking for three second-round picks or a first-round pick in exchange for Tucker’s services.

It seems to be only a matter of time before a contender makes a move for P.J. Tucker. The only question is which one.