3 Reasons the Rockets must extend Tucker’s contract

With Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker’s contract extension in limbo, here are three reasons why Tucker’s extension needs to happen sooner rather than later.

It is truly wonderful to be back with you Space City Scoop fans! I’ve been covering the Houston Rockets for over a year now and have recently re-joined the Space City Scoop team. Needless to say, I’m glad to be back!

I hope everyone is enjoying this NBA All-Star Break as much as I am. Our Houston Rockets entered the break with a very impressive home win over the Boston Celtics, in which they snapped the Celtics’ seven-game winning streak.

The Rockets recently faced the question of how exactly they planned on filling their two vacant roster spots, but we now know the answer. The Rockets signed Jeff Green and DeMarre Carroll to fill those needs, which gives them alot of depth at the forward position.

We previously discussed why Rockets fans should be excited about Green, and explained what Carroll brings to the table as well. As these questions have already been answered, there is one lingering question that remains to be answered: what should the Houston Rockets do about forward/center P.J. Tucker‘s contract?

Tucker requested an extension prior to the start of the season and it still hasn’t happened, as there are complications with this request. For starters, Tucker’s minutes have risen to 34.9 this year, which is the highest he’s averaged since entering the league with during the 2006-07 season with the Toronto Raptors. An extension for a 35-year-old with a lot of mileage is a risk, no matter how pivotal he is to the success of the team.

Another aspect to consider is the financial side of an extension. Next season, even with the NBA salary cap bound to rise, so are the salaries of the most expensive Rockets players, as both Russell Westbrook and James Harden go from $38 million to $41 million annually. There are also salary increases coming for both Eric Gordon and Robert Covington. Austin Rivers will also be a free agent and you’d have to think that bringing him back is one of the bigger priorities for the organization.

With Tucker’s extension appearing to be in limbo, let’s take a look at three reasons he deserves a new deal.

Next: No. 3