Rockets Addressing Tucker Situation, May Be Resolved Ahead Of Harden Problem: Report

With the Houston Rockets getting nowhere with James Harden, it may be in their best interest to focus on other players in the mix. One of them is P.J. Tucker, whose contract will expire at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old workhorse was allegedly irate last month over not receiving a contract extension with the Rockets. But it appears that things have changed since then, although nothing is imminent, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reported.

The good news with this development is that both sides are talking and are somehow moving forward. The report also suggested that Tucker may eventually be handed a two-year contract extension. He is in the final year of a four-year deal with the Rockets. He was signed as a free agent in 2016.

It is a positive development considering the 6-foot-5 hinted that the team does not value him by overlooking his contract status. He is set to make $8 million in his final year in Houston.

It is something that Tucker wants to get off his chest. He faces an uncertain future and probably feels he is due a pay raise. With no legitimate center being used last NBA season, it was Tucker who stepped up for the Rockets’ 2019-20 campaign. Despite being undersized, the North Carolina native had an impressive showing as he stood his ground against bigger and taller opponents.

The Athletic reported, citing unnamed sources, that Tucker would prefer to finish his career as a Rocket. However, he felt a bit insulted by the team’s decision to delay extension discussions and wait until the Feb. 6 trade deadline to guarantee his 2020-21 salary.

One suggested reason behind the delay is the status of Harden. Most know that up to now, things have not been ironed out with the 2018 NBA MVP. There is a chance that if a deal to some other team pushes through, Tucker could be part of the package.

So far, two teams have been linked in the rumor mill to the eight-time All-Star. The Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat are the widely mentioned teams so far, with the players and assets included in the package left undetermined.

At any rate, Harden and Tucker will remain with the Houston Rockets once the 2020-21 NBA season officially unravels on Tuesday.