P.J. Tucker‘s expiring, affordable contract makes him the player most likely to be dealt before today’s trade deadline, according to Sean Deveney of the Sporting News. The Suns are holding out for a first-round pick for the veteran small forward, even if it’s a future first-rounder that they can use down the road as an asset, Deveney continues. The Jazz, Celtics, Clippers, Nuggets, Timberwolves, Hawks and Bulls have all shown interest in Tucker, giving the Suns hope they can get a first-round pick for him, Deveney adds.
Deveney touched on a number of other players who could be wearing a different uniform by the end of the day:
- Luxury-tax concerns have the Jazz exploring the market for power forward Derrick Favors. Rudy Gobert‘s extension kicks in next season and Utah is hopeful of re-signing Gordon Hayward in the likelihood he opts out of the final year of his current contract this summer. That makes Favors expendable but his nagging knee injury has tempered the market for him.
- Danilo Gallinari is drawing more interest on the market than fellow Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler. Denver is seeking a first-rounder for either player but Gallinari’s ability to opt out of his contract after the season makes it more difficult for the Nuggets to get value for him.
- Carmelo Anthony is likely to stay put unless Knicks president Phil Jackson can revive talks with the Clippers. Jackson is also trying to deal free agents he signed last summer — Courtney Lee and Joakim Noah — for draft picks.
- The Hawks, Hornets and Bucks have shown interest in point guard Darren Collison as the Kings continue their latest rebuild in the wake of the DeMarcus Cousins blockbuster.
- The Bulls, Pacers and possibly the Mavericks are still in play as potential suitors for Sixers power forward Jahlil Okafor but Philadelphia is not determined to move him unless it gets the right package.
- The Mavericks are hopeful of getting a first-rounder for either Andrew Bogut or Deron Williams but may be willing to settle for a couple of second-rounders.
C’s could send a 2nd round pick or two and Zellar for Bogut.
I’ve been hearing that as early as last night that the Celtics won’t b getting bogut.and were more likely to get PJ tucker and a few other small assets I don’t expect the c’s to make a blockbuster for butler or George.I’d like them to get Drummond tho I think that would b a good fit but don’t see it happening
PJ Tucker for James Young or Zeller with a high 2nd round pick seems like the most favorable deal for the C’s. Zeller unfortunately makes $2.5 million more than Tucker so not sure if Suns would take him back.
Suns don’t want any of that crap….. he is worth more in practice then a 2nd or some scrub or both. Tucker challenges Booker daily so a 2nd and a scrub are less valuable. A first or nothing.