PJ Tucker Says it's Time for the Rockets to Give Him a Contract Extension
By Kevin Aquino
PJ Tucker is looking to secure the bag, and he's looking right at the Houston front office in hopes of seeing some progress.
The Rockets big man is in the penultimate season of his four-year, $32 million deal, and will make a team-friendly $8.3 million this season. At 34 years old, logic would suggest Tucker isn't looking for an outrageous sum, but rather a secure one to ride out the rest of his career rather than re-enter free agency ahead of his age 36 season in 2021.
P.J. Tucker Seeking Extension From Rockets https://t.co/5OfWHfQ0qt
— RealGM (@RealGM) August 20, 2019
Tucker has spent the last two NBA seasons in Houston, evolving into an ideal crunch-time stretch five and serving as the heart and soul of the team's defense. A prototypical three-and-D player at his position, Tucker's value is can't-miss when he steps onto the court.
It is worth noting that the North Carolina native withdrew from Team USA due to an ankle injury, but that shouldn't stop the Rockets from giving him his money.
Houston’s PJ Tucker is withdrawing from USA Basketball ahead of FIBA World Cup because of an ankle injury, and will prepare for Rockets training camp, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 16, 2019
The Rockets renewed their title chances by swapping Chris Paul for a younger, fiercer Russell Westbrook to pair with James Harden, and keeping Tucker should be high on the front office's to-do list.
Should Houston lowball their core piece, there will be 29 other teams ready to pry him away if he boecmes disgruntled. And if the Rockets instead sit on their hands, they're making a separate mistake.