Brooklyn Nets: Pass or pursue on three rumored trade targets
By Dalton Sell
Should the Brooklyn Nets pass or pursue rumored trade target P.J. Tucker?
Another defensive-minded veteran that the Brooklyn Nets have connections to is P.J. Tucker of the Houston Rockets. Tucker has been discontent with Houston’s front office for months with the lack of discussion surrounding a contract extension, and they appear ready to move on from him ahead of the trade deadline.
Thanks to another reporting by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, it is clear that contenders are preparing to target Tucker on the trade market, and the Nets are among the most prevalent. Transcribed by Harrison Faigen of Silver Screen & Roll:
"“There’s a lot of interest among contenders in Tucker, who’s in the last year of his deal. The Miami Heat, who the Lakers play tonight, Milwaukee, Brooklyn, several others. One thing I’m told is that Houston wants back not picks, but a player that they can plug back into their lineup.”"
Tucker’s most desirable characteristic has always been the defensive tenacity he brings to the table, and the Nets could certainly utilize that. The veteran is among the most versatile defensive players in the league today, and that stature could help patch up some of Brooklyn’s flaws on that side of the ball without question.
On the books for just under $8 million this season, the Nets would have to pull some financial strings to pull off a deal for Tucker, but he could bolster their already sky-high title chances. Tucker has previous ties to James Harden, who came over to the Nets in that four-team deal with the Rockets in January. Perhaps that two could have some interest in playing with one another once more on the biggest stage in Brooklyn.
As one of the most highly-coveted trade chips on the market right now, P.J. Tucker should be a surefire trade target high up on Brooklyn’s list.