The Rockets and P.J. Tucker have continued to discuss a possible contract extension for the veteran forward, according to Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle. Tucker’s agent Andre Buck and Rockets general manager Rafael Stone had a conversation on Friday morning, Feigen adds.
Although no deal is imminent, there’s some optimism that “there may be something there,” Feigen hears from a person close to the situation. That source tells The Houston Chronicle that both sides are “hopeful” they’ll be able to work something out.
The lack of a contract extension has reportedly been a major source of frustration for Tucker, who has been seeking a new deal since at least the summer of 2019. His current contract will pay him $7.97MM in 2020/21 before expiring, so he’ll be an unrestricted free agent after this season if he doesn’t agree to terms with the Rockets before then.
According to Feigen, Houston will likely offer Tucker a two-year extension — a longer deal would be all but impossible due to the NBA’s over-38 rule. A new two-year contract for Tucker could be worth up to nearly $25MM, including a first-year salary of $12MM (120% of the league’s estimated average salary). Feigen suggests that the amount of guaranteed money in the second year of such an offer may be a sticking point in negotiations.
Tucker has been a crucial part of Houston’s rotation since joining the team in 2017. Over the last three years, the 35-year-old – who hasn’t missed a single game due to injury – has knocked down 36.9% of his three-point attempts while playing stout defense against opposing big men in small-ball lineups.
While December 21 is the deadline for rookie scale extensions and certain veteran extensions, Tucker will remain eligible to sign a new deal during the regular season, so he and the Rockets don’t necessarily have to resolve the situation within the next few days. Still, the Rockets – who are still dealing with a disgruntled star in James Harden – may be motivated to get something done to ensure they don’t have another unhappy veteran in their starting lineup.
Tuckers been amazing but id want to stay on the right side of the boat here-
With such an uncertain future for the org Id want complete fluidity within the ledger with as many possible contracts in the green as possible for trading purposes . Another great first half could net the Rockets a Marcus Morris type coup at the break
Does Tucker want to stay if they trade Harden? It may be time for him to chase a ring. However whats more important the paycheck or the ring. Giannis may never win in Milwaukee so he was chasing the paycheck.
The wisdom of a Yankee fan.
Or he’s loyal to the organization that drafted him, and helped him become the adult he is today? And with the money he sends back to his family…..he made that choice simply because he wanted the bag? And you would totally turn down 50 million dollars wouldn’t you?
@mlbnyyfan… who cares about winning?
This is a job, & what he must do is make the most $ he can, if doing that he can win a ring, great, if not just as great, really rings ain’t nothing to do with been a great player or not!
Only some fans may care about winning, but most fans & the players don’t!
If he can get an extension, it’s the best move. He could be looking at vet min deals if he goes to FA. If he can get 2/14 or 2/16 he should jump on that.
It’s time for him to chase a ring
Pay him! You have enough problems H ouson. Give him the money, make jim smile, and move on to bigger things more priorities
Rockets don’t have money to pay him. Tucker should save himself for next year. Could be a $14mil g + $14mil, $4 guaranteed, for starting 2021.