Houston Rockets: P.J. Tucker shouldn’t be traded this offseason

The Houston Rockets are looking to make some major changes this offseason with everyone on the roster apparently available via trade. Besides the obvious, there is one other player that shouldn’t be dealt this summer.

How about that for some morning news? The Houston Rockets, apparently, are looking to make some big deals this summer and everyone on the roster, including future draft picks, are available in potential deals.

This was reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski in a classic Woj Bomb. Be sure to check out his tweet below:

Sources: In calls to front offices, Houston GM Daryl Morey is showing an aggressive desire to improve roster with all players and picks available in talks. Hard to imagine James Harden scenario, but the rest under contract – perhaps even Chris Paul – could be moved in right deal.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 29, 2019

The Rockets are always active in the offseason, but it looks like they will more-so be this summer. Moving James Harden isn’t realistic or feasible for the team, of course, but everyone else is likely on the table in potential deals.

There’s one other player that they should hang onto, though, and that is P.J. Tucker. He’s not only a fan favorite, but one of the consistently best players on the team each year and is pretty affordable. His heart would be extremely tough to replace, especially if Houston wants to be at the same level next season.

Why they shouldn’t trade P.J. Tucker

Tuck is an absolutely incredible player and one of the most underrated in the league. On both ends of the floor, he is a perfect fit for what the Rockets are looking to accomplish year in and year out.

On defense, his ability is well-documented. He hustles hard and is able to pick up an opposing team’s best player. His ability to slow down Kevin Durant in the last two years was crucial for the team as they have found more success than anyone against the dynasty that is the Warriors.

On offense, he is more than willing to sit in the corner and knock down open 3s all game long. From his main spot, the right corner 3, he shot an incredible 43.2% and attempted two of them per game.

He also is able to grab a ton of offensive rebounds and has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. He averaged 1.5 offensive boards per game this year and that went up in the postseason to 1.7. That’s part of his game that makes him an extremely underrated player.

Moving into the future of the team, having a guy like P.J. Tucker around to finish his career in Houston would be perfect. He can still contribute as a solid role player and can mentor some of the younger players on the team as well. The Rockets should keep him around.