NBA Rumors: PJ Tucker's Name Coming Up in Trade Talks

As the James Harden situation drags on, there is uncertainty in the City of Brotherly Love this summer as the make-up of the Philadelphia 76ers for 2023-24 is still unknown. 

While Harden's whereabouts remains a mystery after his trade demand, another name that's come up in the rumor mill is PJ Tucker. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reports:

PJ Tucker is another guy who could be out the door and was a key player they brought in recently. James Harden and Tucker are great friends, and remember, Harden gave up about $15 million for PJ and Danuel House to be on that Sixers team last season. 

As I reported previously on HoopsHype, Tucker has come up in the trade talks between the Sixers and Clippers. The Clippers covet Tucker’s ability to guard multiple positions and defend the league’s top opposing scorers.

Tucker was signed last summer to a 3-year, $33M deal, with Harden "taking less money" on his contract extension to allow for the Sixers to have room to sign him. 

The 37-year-old hard-nosed forward did what he always does this past season, providing defense, aggressive play and hitting corner threes. He averaged just 3.5 points and 3.9 rebounds in his 25.6 minutes per game, but he did connect on 39% of his shots from deep, although on the lowest volume (just under two attempts per game) in his past 10 years. 

The Clippers are, as is common knowledge, Harden's demanded destination, and it sounds like they're trying to get Tucker to come along with him. But the talks have remained stagnant, as the Clips don't have an enticing package to send back to Philly, and GM Daryl Morey is holding firm on his required "all-star" return.

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