After being traded from Philadelphia to the Clippers earlier this season, veteran forward P.J. Tucker is a “strong” candidate to be moved again ahead of the February 8 deadline, says Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
According to Fischer, Washington is viewed as a potential trade destination for Tucker, who would likely be bought out if he’s sent to the Wizards. In that scenario, the Suns and Bucks would be among the teams expected to pursue the 38-year-old on the buyout market, Fischer adds.
Tucker is earning $11MM this season, with an $11.5MM player option for 2024/25, so unless he gives up a significant portion of his remaining money in a buyout agreement, he’d still have a real impact on his team’s salary cap for next season. With that in mind, the Wizards (or another trade partner) would presumably want a solid asset or two as a sweetener to take on his contract, especially if they’re also giving up a rotation-caliber player in the process.
Here’s more from Fischer:
- The Suns are one of the more active teams on the trade market and have explored what a package that includes Grayson Allen and Nassir Little could bring back, Fischer reports. Those efforts are complicated by the fact that Phoenix’s draft assets consist of just four second-round picks, according to Fischer, who points out too that Allen has been arguably the team’s most important players outside of its three stars.
- Although the Warriors and Mavericks have displayed interest in Raptors forward Pascal Siakam, Golden State has shown little desire to part with either Jonathan Kuminga or Moses Moody, Fischer writes. As for the Mavs, they’ve been linked to many forwards, per Fischer, including Andrew Wiggins, P.J. Washington of the Hornets, and former Mav Dorian Finney-Smith, now a member of the Nets.
- Jerami Grant is the sort of player who would appeal to teams like the Mavericks and Kings, but the Trail Blazers aren’t expected to seriously consider offers for the veteran forward, according to Fischer. Portland guard Malcolm Brogdon, on the other hand, is viewed as a more viable trade candidate.
- In addition to veterans like Doug McDermott and Cedi Osman, who were previously identified as trade candidates, guard Devonte’ Graham is another Spurs player who is available via trade, sources tell Fischer. Graham has been out of San Antonio’s rotation all season and has a $12.1MM cap hit for this season, with a $2.85MM partial guarantee for 2024/25, so he presumably won’t have positive value.
Spurs should be looking at Brogdon. Can still pickup a PG in draft. Even if they have to move up. Draft board has been changing a lot this yr.
If I were Blazers I’d deal Grant now. That team is destined for the lottery beyond Grant’s prime. Get value now.
Especially since every team who lost out on Siakam now would be willing to pay a bit more for Grant. He’s better than Kuzma.
Grant is a better all around player, but Kuzma however has about 10 mill less per year so it’s easier to match and better value
I don’t even think you can say Kuzma is a better value. His offensive production is not going to continue to be like it is in Washington. It’s just not. He’s going to have to actually share the ball. Grant is more likely to slot right in, and even taking four or so shots off his profile isn’t going to affect him much. Might change his shot distribution, but not his overall value.
Kuzma also hasn’t been the defender he was last year. You can’t trust that to come back just because he’s on a better team either.
The new CBA rules prevent the Bucks from signing anyone who is bought out since they are over the buyout payroll threshold.
Only if the player was earning more the full mid-level ($12.4MMish) prior to being bought out — Tucker is a little below it.
Bucks should bring back Wes Matthews and George Hill too. Maybe Ersan and Ervin Johnson while they’re at it.
Malcom Brogdan and Robert Williams for Doug McDermott, Cedi Osman and a protected first
Brogdan would be a great lead guard for them. He’s good defensively, can operate as a playmaker or as a scorer. Rob Williams even when he gets fit could be a really nice fit with Wemby. Add some of the defensive toughness and grit which makes Vics life easier and avoid some potential injuries
Portland get two expiring deal and a first that’s not to shabby
Grant, Simons and Thybulle all should be Delt. This trio is stunting the growth of Scoot and Sharpe with their selfish ISO ball payscale offense.
I’m telling you before anyone (Woj, Shams, Bleacher Report, LA Times, Washington Post, The Ringer, Stephen A., Skip and Shannon, etc), so I expect you people in the forum, to hit the like button when it’s confirmed:
LAC tardes P.J. Tucker, a young prospect not named Brandon Boston Jr. and a second-round pick to the Wizards in exchange for Daniel Gafford.