The Milwaukee Bucks no longer are the dominant team in the Eastern Conference who holds a runaway best record. There is a sizeable gap between the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets when comparing them to the rest of the Eastern Conference. As a result, keep an eye on the Milwaukee Bucks in NBA trade rumors as the deadline approaches.
According to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, the Bucks attempted to trade for PJ Tucker from the Houston Rockets back in November and they remain interested in a potential deal.
“League sources told me in November that the Bucks were in pursuit of P.J. Tucker from the Rockets. Their interest remains today. Tucker would absolutely help. He is a stout defender who could thrive in small-ball lineups next to Giannis. Tucker turns 36 in May and will be a free agent this offseason, but the trade possibilities are limited with an empty asset cupboard.”
It’s clear the Houston Rockets are positioned for a rebuild and with PJ Tucker already being 36-years-old, it makes little sense to hold onto him beyond the NBA trade deadline. He will be one of the key names that contenders like the Bucks will be monitoring.
The defensive versatility that PJ Tucker brings to the Rockets has been a key element of their success in the James Harden era. He can bring that same impact alongside star players to help elevate a unit all the while being a capable catch-and-shoot threat. The Bucks have to be fascinated by that possibility alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.
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In the case of the Bucks, they are a team who has taken pride in playing high-level defense. Having wing players that can guard multiple positions will be pivotal when going up against the Brooklyn Nets, who have three superstars and world-class shot creators.
The Bucks still will need to account for being able to matchup against Joel Embiid in a potential series with the Philadelphia 76ers. While PJ Tucker certainly doesn’t have the size to do so, he can provide assistance as a help defender to apply greater pressure on the MVP candidate.
The Milwaukee Bucks have an elite talent of their own in Giannis Antetokounmpo that rival teams will need to account for as well. Having a player like PJ Tucker alongside him would bring the best out of the two-time MVP on both ends of the floor.
