P.J. Tucker was an important piece for the Milwaukee Bucks during their historic title run a couple of years ago. This is exactly why it comes as no surprise that Bucks supporters have had their attentioned piqued by recent trade rumors linking the veteran to a potential return to Milwaukee.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Bucks, along with the Miami Heat, have maintained a “healthy level of admiration” for Tucker, who recently joined the Los Angeles Clippers as part of the James Harden mega-deal. Unlike Harden, however, Tucker has failed to establish himself with his new team, and he recently lost his spot in the rotation.
Tucker himself has indicated his desire to leave LA, which did sound like a come-get-me plea for anyone who may be interested in acquiring his services. The Bucks could very well emerge as an interested party if Tucker ends up being available.
Others, however, have their resevrations about this potential deal, including the $11 million Tucker is owned this season: This would be awesome (love PJ Tucker, “Milwaukee we dogs!” is forever) but making the contracts work for the Bucks would be a real challenge. PJ still makes $11M and has a player option next year. The math doesn’t quite math.
For what it’s worth, it’s possible that the Clippers end up buying out Tucker’s contract, thereby opening an easier path for the Bucks. At this point, it would probably be safe to say that Tucker is a name to watch as we approach the February trade deadline.
