Rockets insider shares PJ Tucker’s thoughts on absence from team

P.J. Tucker and the Houston Rockets are currently at an impasse, as both sides have determined that the best move would be to allow Tucker to explore opportunities that would be best for the 35-year-old forward. Tucker is on an expiring deal, which is partly why many teams have expressed interest in him, as they would be able to land him for the 2020-21 season and postseason without having to commit to him long-term.

Granted the Rockets want him to be a part of their future, as they offered him a two-year extension worth $17 million, which he decided wasn’t enough for him to commit to the franchise. Tucker has been away from the team, as a result, which has kept him off of the basketball court.

On Sunday night, Houston Rockets beat writer Jonathan Feigen, who covers the team for the Houston Chronicle, shared Tucker’s thoughts on his absence and time away from the team on NBC Houston’s Texas Sports Nation.

Houston Rockets insider explains PJ Tucker’s thoughts on being away from the team

“He knew it was pretty much time to move on and it’s the best for him as well. He feels he needs, in the last year of his contract, to show that he should get a big future contract with another team.

And he was not gonna be able to show that with this team. His ability to contribute has to be with a contender, where he’s doing the dirty work.

Doing all of the things PJ Tucker has done over the years, is of greater value than with a team that needs more.”

Tucker was seeking a fully guaranteed two-year deal worth upto $24 million, which the Rockets rejected, for good reason. Tucker’s market has reportedly included the top teams in each conference, as the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers both reportedly have their sights set on him.

As Feigen points out, Tucker is seeking an opportunity to show that he can still contribute, which could possibly land him the multi-year extension that he’s seeking.

It remains to be seen where Tucker will be dealt and what the Houston Rockets will get in return, but it’s safe to say that it’ll be with a team that will allow the 3-and-D specialist to prove his value and worth, so long as they have a package that will appease the Rockets’ front office.