Veteran defender PJ Tucker is frustrated that he has not yet been traded from the Houston Rockets to a title candidate, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim MacMahon. Tucker was a healthy scratch in Thursday’s game in Sacramento, and the uncertainty surrounding his personal situation appears to be the reason.
“He’s not on the team,” said head coach Stephen Silas. He’s traveling back to Houston. We’re going to try to figure out something that works for him and works for us, insofar as he is no longer in the team. … He decided he was just not really into it, and we decided it was a good idea. Let’s go on. ”
Tucker, now 35, is in the final year of his existing contract, and he appears to be a strong candidate to be traded before the March 25 deadline on the NBA. Since the Rockets (11-24) have lost 14 consecutive games, which is the longest slide for the franchise in more than 20 years, there is little reason for them to risk the chance of leaving in the off-season without compensation. On top of that, Tucker – who has yet to win an NBA title in his career – is likely to take part in the 2021 playoffs.
Tucker is still highly valued for his defense and leadership, but his lack of production in attack seems to limit one of the league’s worst offenses. The 6-foot-5 forward is averaging 4.4 points (36.6% FG, 31.4% on three points), 4.6 rebounds and 0.9 steals in 30.0 minutes per game, with all the numbers the worst of his four seasons in Houston. However, many in the NBA believe that his production can be revived if he is placed with better players. in a challenging environment.
According to ESPN, the Rockets believed they were close to signing Tucker with a two-year contract extension earlier this season of $ 17 million, with only $ 10 million guaranteed. However, according to Tucker’s camp, a $ 24 million two-year deal was allegedly requested, which was fully guaranteed. With Houston’s guarantee offer less than half of what Tucker sought, it’s understandable why the differences are not reconciled.