A new report suggests the Phoenix Suns could seek out a reunion with a three-point shooting defender known for his work on winning teams via the buyout market after the NBA trade deadline.
After some struggles over the first few months of the 2023-24 NBA season, the Phoenix Suns have caught fire in recent weeks. The team heads into their game on Sunday night against the Orlando Magic having won seven of their last eight and are a half-game out of the fifth spot in the Western Conference.
Yet, for as good as the team has been of late, they still have several key needs. They could certainly use more depth, especially at center and point guard. There are some who feel they could use a playmaker in the starting lineup to free up Devin Booker so he can score more buckets alongside fellow elite shooters Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.
However, a prototypical 3-and-D player would be a very nice addition to the roster. The Suns could use better defense to go along with their talented offense and some grit for the stretch run and playoffs. Well, a veteran player who fills that need perfectly could soon become available, and a new report claims he would be interested in joining the Suns.
On Friday, Phoenix Sports NBA writer Gerald Bourguet that current Los Angeles Clippers player PJ Tucker would be interested in the idea of returning to the team he played four and a half seasons with from 2012 to 2017.
“A source said Tucker would definitely be interested in joining the Suns after a potential buyout, and his $11 million contract fits just under the threshold that Phoenix can sign for buyout players (as a team in the second tax apron, the Suns can sign any player on the buyout market as long as their contract was $12.4 million or less prior to being bought out),” Bourguet wrote.
Related: 5 best NBA trade deadline deals of the past five years
Tucker has developed a reputation as a mercenary for title contenders looking to add a player who can do the dirty work, play rock-solid defense, and hit open threes. That is why he has played for the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers in recent seasons.
However, after being moved to the Clippers in the James Harden trade he has seen a diminished role, and reports last month claimed he was unhappy with his position. There is a very good chance LA cuts Tucker after the Feb. 8 trade deadline and he seems like a perfect addition for a Phoenix Suns team that has limitations on the trade market.
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