NBA Rumors: Memphis Grizzlies interested in P.J. Tucker?
In an article posted by Arizona Sports pertaining to P.J. Tucker’s impending free agency, the small forward stated that the Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly interested in him.
"Tucker confirmed that he has heard the Memphis Grizzlies are interested in his services, but he said it’s basically hearsay at this point.“Free agency, being in this position, there’s so much going on,” the three-year NBA pro said. “Before it happens, you don’t know — because nobody can talk to anybody until a certain date. So you don’t know for sure what’s going on.”If the Grizzlies really are looking at signing Tucker, it means they’re searching for someone younger to fill the role that Prince has played for the team over the past season and a half.When asked if he’s interested in Memphis making an offer, Tucker replied, “I hope.”"
There is a lot of uncertainty at the small forward position in Memphis. Tayshaun Prince is under contract for another season at the price of $7 million, but he showed in the playoffs that he isn’t capable of being a starting forward in the NBA anymore. Mike Miller is an unrestricted free agent and James Johnson has recently dealt with domestic issues that could be the nail in the coffin of his Memphis tenure. This could open the door for Tucker to step in and immediately start. While he isn’t a proficient shooter he’s respectable from distance and his defensive intensity would fit in perfectly with the likes of Tony Allen, Mike Conley, and Marc Gasol.
There’s one problem between a possible Tucker-to-Memphis signing? While Tucker is a free agent this summer, the Phoenix Suns hold a qualifying offer and the ability to make him a restricted free agent, giving themselves the opportunity to match any offer sheet another teams gives to Tucker. The NBA Draft could also prevent a Memphis signing for Tucker as the Grizzlies hold the 22nd pick in the upcoming draft. Many expect them to take a small forward with the pick.
Tucker averaged 9.4 points while shooting 38 percent from three, 6.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game last season.