The Clippers' recently acquired forward P.J. Tucker seems to be in trouble, and he doesn't have a lot of prospects with the team. He has been unable to play in recent games, suggesting that head coach Tyronn Lue is not happy with his performance and ability. Despite the team's desperate need for a forward, Coach Lue seems reluctant to give Tucker a chance, suggesting that he has lost trust in Tucker.
Considering Tucker's whopping $11 million salary this season and the luxury tax pressure the team is carrying, there's no doubt that the team will find a way to deal with his contract in exchange for a more valuable player. Therefore, the Rockets should keep a close eye on Tucker's situation, and they may consider a trade with the Clippers to seek substantial benefits. In terms of trades, the Clippers are in dire need of a forward, and the Rockets could offer two players, Jeff Green and Jaeshawn Tate.
In addition, the Clippers could also consider adding young guard Nashawn Hyland to the trade. To compensate, the Rockets could get some draft picks from the Clippers. After a lot of betting, the Clippers currently only have one first-round pick to trade in 2030, but they still have some second-round picks to use.
While the Clippers may be reluctant to give up first-round picks easily, trading 3-4 second-round picks to clear space and trade for useful players still has value for the future development of the team.
Here's a trade package that the two teams might propose: Option 1: Rockets send: Green + Tate Clippers send: Tucker + Hyland + 3 second-round picks Option 2: Rockets send: Green + Tate + Reggie Bullock Clippers send: Tucker + Hyland + Moussa Diabate + 2 second-round picks Option 3: Rockets send: Green + Reggie Brock Clippers send: Tucker + Moussa Diabate + 2 second-round picks The Rockets are in.
The deal has resulted in a streamlined roster that will give more opportunities for young players to play and showcase their talents. They're expected to benefit from an outside player like Hyland who shoots the ball and a rising interior star like Diabate who has great athleticism and great potential. As for Tucker, it would be great if he could stay competitive.
Even if he loses competitiveness, his contract will expire in the summer of 2025 and will have little impact on the future operations of the Rockets. Maybe we still have a chance to see Tucker in the Rockets jersey again.