PJ Tucker of the Houston Rockets has officially requested a trade. Which three trades could the Portland Trail Blazers make to bring him in?
The Portland Trail Blazers need a starting power forward for the 2020/21 season, and P.J. Tucker has requested a trade from the Houston Rockets.
I don’t know if there is a more perfect power forward for the Blazers who is available in trade or free agency than Tucker. One of the best defenders, one of the toughest and most durable players, and the best volume corner-three shooter in the NBA – what isn’t there to like?
The Rockets are currently imploding, with Russell Westbrook demanding a trade and James Harden reportedly a trade target of the Brooklyn Nets. Now, Tucker wants out as well.
Which trades could the Portland Trail Blazers put together to bring in PJ Tucker?
Trade one – PJ Tucker salary dump for Trevor Ariza non-guaranteed contract
This first trade is a little complex, but if the Rockets want to get off Tucker and save money at the same time (their owner is cheap, so there is a good chance of this ), then they could dump Tucker’s one-year of salary at $7 odd million and bring in Ariza’s non guaranteed contract of just $1.8 million.
By not guaranteeing Ariza’s contract, they could either cut him, move him to another team who could cut him, or even guarantee the contract and try and get an asset.
If the Rockets end up trading Westbrook or Harden, or both, then they will most likely clear the decks and go into full rebuild mode. A 35-year-old Tucker would almost certainly be moved.
For the Blazers, they would swap Ariza with Tucker, thus letting Gary Trent Jr. start at the three. They could save on salary and then still use their mid-level to sign a power forward.
Tucker is 35, but he has only missed nine games in the last eight years, he could be the starting power forward, or he could come off the bench.