Rockets forward P.J. Tucker is away from the team and there’s a belief that he has likely played his last game with Houston, head coach Stephen Silas said after Thursday’s game in Sacramento, his club’s 14th straight loss.
“P.J.’s not with the team,” Silas said (video link via Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston). “He traveled here (to Sacramento), but is traveling back to Houston (instead of accompanying the team to Utah). We’re going to try to figure out something that works for him and works for us, in terms of him not being on the team anymore.
“I was under the assumption that he was going to be playing tonight, and he didn’t play. And that was disappointing. But it’s no secret that it’s been a rough year. He’s been professional… But at this point we’re going to do what’s best for the group and what’s best for P.J., and that’s probably not having him here.”
Prior to Silas’ post-game presser, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim MacMahon had reported that Tucker, who is “increasingly frustrated” about not having been traded to a contending team, was a healthy scratch and that there was uncertainty about whether he’d return to the lineup at all. Silas essentially confirmed that report after the game, suggesting that both sides are on board with the divorce.
“He decided he was just not really with it, and we decided that’s a good idea — let’s move on,” Silas said, explaining why Tucker didn’t practice with the team on Wednesday and didn’t play vs. the Kings on Thursday (video link via Berman).
Unlike other players that have been pulled from their teams’ lineups in recent weeks, such as Blake Griffin, Andre Drummond, and LaMarcus Aldridge, Tucker has a very manageable expiring salary, worth just under $8MM. As such, it shouldn’t be too tricky to find a taker for him, despite the fact that he’s having a down year.
While he’s still a solid defender, the 35-year-old isn’t contributing much on offense this season, averaging a career-low 4.4 PPG with a .314 3PT% in 32 games (30.0 MPG). Tucker believes joining a contender would allow him to display his value in ways he hasn’t been able to on the struggling and rebuilding Rockets, a person familiar with his thinking told Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle.
According to Woj and MacMahon, the Rockets have engaged in several trade discussions with teams about Tucker in recent weeks, including the Bucks, Lakers, Heat, and Nets. The Sixers, Jazz, Nuggets, and Timberwolves have also been cited as clubs with potential interest in the veteran forward, as Houston seeks a young, productive rotation player.
Sources tell ESPN that the Rockets thought they were in position to sign Tucker to an extension earlier in 2020/21, having offered $17MM ($10MM guaranteed) over two seasons. However, they balked when Tucker’s camp countered with a fully guaranteed two-year, $24MM deal.
The Tucker situation is the latest unfortunate development in what’s turning into a nightmare of a season for the Rockets, who already had to deal with a prolonged push from superstar James Harden to be traded.
Houston has slumped badly with Christian Wood out due to an ankle sprain, and the club’s injury situation has gone from bad to worse within the last couple days. As Feigen details, John Wall was hit on the side of his left knee in a scrimmage on Wednesday and was ruled out for Thursday’s game, while fellow guard Eric Gordon strained his groin vs. Sacramento and will undergo an MRI (Twitter link).
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Where do think pj tucker should go matey’s
He will most likely go wherever he can get the best return, although the Rockets probably won’t get that much for him. It seems very unlikely that he will be getting a deal as good as what the Rockets offered him last year, but hopefully he finds a team that needs his defensive skills.
I don’t know what he offers the Bucks really.
Lakers
Quid pro quo, what does LA have to trade for PJ Tucker?
They could trade Matthews, McKinnie, and Horton-Tucker for him.
Dude seriously. Drugs are bad for the brain.
not happening
Rockets want productive young player – starter or 6-8 man rotation
THT
Kuzma
Claxton – Nets
Lakers don’t have anything to offer. They should wait for the buyout market.
His career winding down. Would love to see him finish with a ring chance.
Tonight’s game was odd without him. But I figured probably off bench but too figured he would not play that way. Or was on verge of being traded.
Oladipo as well may be playing his last games this weekend.
Gordon if he is hurt probably not sure on him. A groin heard.
I know some of these players are trying and do show effort but just feel this streak could go to 15 against Utah. Depending on if play too. I know Silas did not sign for this. But feel something needs to really change.
On the bright side, Kevin Porter looked really good.
Tucker is worth 2 second round picks now
His value is declining month after month
He is overvalued by Rockets.
Only person that over values him is “Wallywood”
He’s barely worth one 2nd rounder.
According to Houston Chronicle,
John Wall is under Rockets long term plan. He will stuck with Rockets for a few more years.
IMO Wall is fallen in the same category “untouchable”
Luka, Zion, Westbrook, Wall
We always value your opinion sullivan
Funny how HOU wants a productive young player for PJ… if you ask me, HOU is who needs to add an asset for anyone to touch PJ as simple as!
That makes zero sense. PJ Tucker is still a solid player. They’re not gonna get a future star but they at least get something like a second round pick. Of course, you’re the same guy who maintains the Rockets mistreated Harden, despite the fact that they gave him everything they wanted.
he*
Agreed. The Rockets should just get what they can and move on. No team is going to give up much for a 35 year old player such as Tucker just to play the last 30 games or so and the playoffs. Just ‘tank’ as much as possible and give playing time to young players.
Welcome to Brooklyn Tucker. Just defend and shoot corner 3 balls. Perfect.
Tucker isn’t having a “down year” He is 35. Down is the direction he is going in. He has a year or two left max. He could be slightly helpful to a team like Brooklyn, that lacks front court depth. but that’s about it.
Celtic could use him too
Rockets couldn’t have offered Tucker a 2yr/$24mm extension. Highest the could have topped out was 2yr/$19mm+.
$24MM would’ve been doable — they could go up to 120% of the estimated average salary, not just 120% of Tucker’s salary.
thanks! I forgot about that caveat for salaries below that threshold.
What’s going on in Houston? Everyone wants off the Rockets, Texans, Astros fall from grace…
Harden Disease. It’s now become cool to quit.
Yeah not saying I want it Necessarily but I can’t see how it’s not to Milwaukee.
If the Rockets will do it for DJ Wilson and Bryn Forbes, then maybe?
I think I’d want at least a 2nd round pick attached to Tucker from Houston if that goes down (doubtful), but Tucker is a rental, and the Bucks are more than PJ Tucker away from the NBA Finals.
Let him leave, when he is on the floor it like playing 5 on 4. How can you go a whole game as a starter and only score 2 points.
here comes the Philadelphia 76ers knocking on the door. Daryl Morey liked him in Houston and some rumors have it that he’s going to try hard to bring them to Philly
If anyone deserves to overpay PJ it’s the Rockets. He gave them everything plus some. He was a big part of core team. But without Harden there they don’t need him. So new regime new attitude, nice to know you PJ. Not the first time this has happened. All contenders can use a guy like PJ. Yes he only has 2-3 yrs left. But he can help a team get to Finals this yr. And that’s what they should all be looking at. Rockets are smart to wait it out. Someone will break and give up value. Not like you’re going to get a #1 pick. But a young player is nice.
I like the bucks, celtics, mavs and suns for PJ. Still has value and a youngish, outside the rotation player and future 2nd round pick should do it
Terrance Ferguson And Tony Bradley plus maybe a second round pick
Please come to Philly
Morey knows him well and owes PJ. Be a nice pickup
Rockets need a center as well. Bradley has some talent from I’ve seen of his play for the Sixers
Tucker’s game can mesh with any contender, although I think Miami needs him the most. Tucker would fit right into that role Jae Crowder provided Miami with last season. Butler, Tucker and Bam would be nice defensive combination.