Report: Lakers, Nets among 5 teams scoping trade for Rockets' Tucker
A group of title hopefuls are looking at P.J. Tucker as a possible upgrade.
The Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, and Miami Heat have all shown interest in trading for the veteran Houston Rockets forward, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.
Houston is reportedly asking for a young player in return for the 35-year-old.
Some teams believe that, depending on Houston's asking price, Tucker could be dealt momentarily, Charania adds.
Tucker is in the midst of his worst scoring season since his 2006-07 rookie year with the Toronto Raptors, averaging 4.4 points on 36.6% shooting (31.4% from three). He's also registering 4.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 0.9 steals in 30 minutes per contest.
However, contenders likely value Tucker for his defensive impact and positional versatility. The former second-round pick can guard multiple positions and has plenty of experience playing as a center in some of the Rockets' smaller lineups.
Tucker is in the final season of a four-year, $31.8-million contract he signed with Houston in 2017. However, as reported when the team released DeMarcus Cousins, the Rockets are aiming to deploy a younger frontcourt centered around Christian Wood.
The NBA's trade deadline is March 25.