Report: Clippers offer second-round pick for P.J. Tucker, Suns seek first
Jan 20, 2017, 6:56 PM | Updated: Jan 21, 2017, 12:29 pm
Phoenix Suns' P.J. Tucker gestures after being called for a foul during the second half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
(AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Just weeks away from the trade deadline, names from all around the NBA are taking their turn in the rumor mill, including Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker.
Per Marc Stein of ESPN, the Los Angeles Clippers inquired about the 31-year-old defender for a bargain price and were rebuked by the Suns.
The Clippers have offered a future second-round pick for Suns forward P.J. Tucker — who is said to have a not-so-secret admirer in Doc Rivers — but sources say Phoenix is holding out for a first-rounder in exchange for the rugged defensive specialist.
The Suns have been holding out hope that they can get a first-round pick or young asset at the deadline, and seem uninterested in acquiring second rounders.
Tucker is in the final year of a three-year deal with Phoenix and is making about $5.5 million this season. He came out of Texas in 2006 and spent one year with the Raptors before heading overseas. In 2012, he found his way onto Phoenix and rose from the end of the pine to starter.
This season, he’s averaging the lowest points per game, shooting percentage and rebounds per game since his rookie year. He is scoring 6.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game on 40 percent shooting. He’s also shooting a career low 30 percent from three and has not recorded a double-double after posting seven last season.
Despite the statistical drop, teams still value Tucker’s ability to defend several positions all around the floor. The Timberwolves, Hawks, Cavaliers and Bulls, along with the Clippers, have reportedly taken an interest in Tucker.
Other proposals, like a trade to reunite him with former Suns coach Jeff Hornacek in New York, may also be in play. However, the Suns high asking price could eliminate some of the interested parties.
Suns General Manager Ryan McDonough has a history of waiting until the trade deadline in the past. In 2015, he held off trading Goran Dragic until the Suns acquired two lightly protected first rounders from Miami. Last season, he managed to squeeze a first out of the Wizards for Markieff Morris, a player who to many had destroyed most of his trade value.
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