Rockets: 3 trades to send P.J. Tucker to the Timberwolves

2. Houston Rockets receive Jaden McDaniels,1st-round pick

Jake Layman is clearly not a part of Wolves coach Ryan Saunders’ rotation, as he’s been a healthy scratch for the last several games. For this reason, the Wolves will surely want to move him in a deal, but he’s owed nearly $4 million next season, which would force the Wolves to attach a high draft pick to move him.

On the court, Layman is a 6-foot-8 forward who is a fairly decent help defender and can defend either guard position and small forwards in the league. On the offensive end Layman leaves much to be desired, in part because of his lack of 3-point shooting, as he’s shooting just 29.7 percent from deep.

In this proposal the Rockets would also land rookie forward Jaden McDaniels, who has shown promise and is averaging 10.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks on 36.9 percent from three.

But for as much promise as McDaniels has shown, the Rockets would be giving up the best player in the deal and the Wolves would be getting back a tenacious defensive-minded player in Tucker, who Kevin Durant stated was the most difficult player to go up against. This would obviously go a long way for Minnesota, who ranks 23rd in defensive efficiency.

In addition, the Wolves are in dire need of a legitimate power forward to put alongside Karl Anthony-Towns and Tucker could easily fit that bill. Tucker could help provide a much needed veteran presence for a Wolves team that is one of the youngest teams in the league

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