Sixers Rumors: PJ Tucker Mentioned in Trade Talks?
The Philadelphia 76ers are currently navigating through another drama-filled offseason. Just two years after facing the Ben Simmons saga, the Sixers are dealing with another disgruntled guard as James Harden is ready for a change of scenery.
As the Sixers look to deal away James Harden, they’ve been conversing with the Los Angeles Clippers, a team Harden desires to land on. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, PJ Tucker has “come up in trade discussions” between the two organizations.
“The Clippers covet Tucker’s ability to guard multiple positions and defend the league’s top opposing scorers. Tucker is owed $11 million this upcoming season and has a $11.54 million player option for the 2024-25 season.”
In the past, PJ Tucker was a popular rumored trade prospect when he played for the Houston Rockets, who were headed for a rebuild. Considering Tucker is a seasoned veteran, who brings reliable three-point shooting, vocal leadership, and defensive toughness, he’s a desirable complementary piece to teams that are gunning for a title.
Ahead of the 2021 playoff run, Tucker was moved to the Milwaukee Bucks via trade. The Bucks went on to win the NBA Finals that season before Tucker tested the free agency market. During the summer of 2021, Tucker signed a deal with the Miami Heat.
After spending 71 regular season games in Miami and going on an Eastern Conference Finals run with them, Tucker opted out of his contract in hopes of returning to South Beach. However, the Sixers swooped in and had a better offer.
Tucker inked a three-year deal, reportedly worth $33.2 million with the Sixers last summer. The acquisition was a result of Joel Embiid’s comments when he publicly urged the Sixers’ front office to sign a player like Tucker following Philly’s second-round loss. Considering Tucker is also close with Harden, the ten-time All-Star’s pay cut last year allowed the Sixers to clear up enough space to get the move done.
Tucker’s offense was criticized during his debut season in Philly, as he averaged just four points in 75 games. Defensively, though, Tucker stepped up to the plate and handled business against some of the team’s most challenging assignments. Tucker’s presence was helpful for the Sixers in the playoffs, but it didn’t move the needle as the Sixers lost in the second round for the third-straight season.
Facing a potential standoff with James Harden, the Sixers have to search for a way to get Los Angeles on the same page. As of right now, the Clippers don’t seem to be willing to get around Philly’s asking price. While Tucker might’ve been a player that popped up in the conversation, it’s unlikely that talks regarding the 38-year-old former second-round pick have gone far — especially since the Harden-related negotiations seem to be at a standstill as well.
