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Report: Bucks keeping an eye, interest on P.J. Tucker as veteran seeks playing time
The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly keeping an eye on one of its vital championship members from the 2020-21 season.
According to league insider Marc Stein, the Bucks “maintain a healthy level of admiration” toward P.J. Tucker, who is currently in an embattled spot with the L.A. Clippers.
Apparently, there is strong competition in the probable Tucker sweepstakes, as the Miami Heat were also mentioned as an interested team watching the veteran.
“The Bucks and the Heat are two Eastern Conference title contenders that A) are both playing on this Christmas and B) still maintain a healthy level of admiration, league sources say, for the Clippers’ out-of-favor P.J. Tucker,” Stein wrote.
P.J. Tucker — a Milwaukee legend
Tucker, 38, was a notable piece of the Bucks’ recent championship rally nearly three years ago.
As he landed in Milwaukee via a 2020-21 midseason trade, P.J. plugged his defensive versatility and vocal leadership into the Bucks' locker room, which desperately needed dynamism and mental toughness. As such, he became instrumental in the team's successful title hunt and became a beloved fan favorite around the city despite his short stay.
After his successful run in Milwaukee, Tucker immediately joined the Heat on a two-year deal. From there, he enjoyed the best season of his career by averaging 7.6 points, 5.5 boards, and 41.5 percent three-point efficiency, which ultimately allowed the forward to net a three-year, $33M contract in last year's offseason.
Milwaukee's case to land P.J. back
Besides considering the Heat a prime opponent, the Bucks have puzzling contemplations and moves to think of to ignite a reunion.
Tucker, who is earning $11M this season and still has a player option next year, is already at the twilight stage of his career. While he expressed his idea to get traded, the Clippers are meanwhile finding hardships to generate interest and the willingness of teams to match his salary to complete a potential trade. In the case of the Bucks, they will have to dump key pieces to regain Tucker's service for the second time around.
Besides, the Bucks can't sign P.J. should he obtain a buyout with the Clippers. As one of the key teams residing in the second tax apron, the Bucks are prohibited from inking a player coming off the buyout market.
For now, it stands unfeasible for Milwaukee to pull off a move that secures Tucker's service. But given the contribution and importance of the veteran to their title chase, they surely will keep their monitoring alive for him.
