NBA Rumors: Brooklyn Nets To Pursue Kevin Durant 'Rival' – Report

KEY POINTS

The Brooklyn Nets are reportedly keeping tabs on P.J. Tucker's situation with the Milwaukee Bucks
James Harden may play a key role in mending ties between Kevin Durant and Tucker
The Milwaukee Bucks may try to keep the 36-year-old in the fold

The Brooklyn Nets may have a stellar cast, but they still need to take in some role players if they are to be competitive. One name that the team may look into is P.J. Tucker, the workhorse who recently won his first NBA title with the Milwaukee Bucks.

The 36-year-old’s name is on their list of prospects this summer, Alex Schiffer of The Athletic reported. His numbers hardly stood out, but the 6-foot-5 forward may have qualities that the Nets want. He could bring tougher defense and more energy to the team.

However, Tucker is no stranger to the Nets – especially Kevin Durant. They got into a spat when the Nets faced the Bucks in a heated second-round series. This almost led to the two cagers coming to blows. Aside from that, there was also the infamous involvement of the former NBA MVP when he confronted Tucker.

But a monkey wrench in the suggested scenario is that Tucker is good friends with James Harden. They spent years playing together with the Houston Rockets so Harden may play a pivotal role in establishing peace between the two rival players. But this is on the premise that the Nets do seriously pursue the North Carolina native.

The Nets could benefit from Tucker's addition, but the Bucks will likely try to keep the veteran forward. After winning an NBA title in Milwaukee, it remains to be seen if the Nets can offer something tempting to lure the tireless cager to Brooklyn.

Tucker concluded his four-year, $31.9 million deal and is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. The 36-year-old forward may opt to return to the Bucks but only if he is given a fair offer.

When he was still with the Rockets, Tucker wanted a $12 million a year deal before he was traded to Milwaukee. But at the time, he was not yet officially an NBA champion.

After showing what he can do, he may want nothing less than that to return to the Bucks. Hence, this should be an interesting NBA offseason for Tucker where multiple teams are likely to monitor his situation and potential availability.