The Houston Rockets have been looking to move veteran P.J. Tucker as the trade deadline looms and one franchise appears to have an edge over the others in the race for the 35-year-old forward.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, league executives believe the Miami Heat have emerged as the leaders for Tucker.
Tucker has been praised for his defensive skills over the last decade, providing the type of defensive pressure and versatility that’s needed in an increasingly positionless league that’s lacking stout defenders.
Aside from Tucker’s on-court abilities and intangibles like toughness, experience and charisma, it’s clear why the Heat are interested in acquiring the North Carolina native. A team looking to make another deep playoff run after reaching the 2020 NBA Finals, Tucker would provide much-needed depth for Miami’s weakest position group.
Furthermore, while Heat stars Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler have both missed time this year, veteran Andre Iguodala has struggled to be consistent this season.
The Heat aren’t the only team interested in Tucker’s services, as The Athletic’s Sam Amick reports that 70 percent of league is interested in adding him to their stable of talent.
Tucker has been sitting out of recent games while he waits for the Rockets to trade him ahead of the Mar. 25 trade deadline.
