The Miami Heat have a history with circling back on players that they had, or almost had. It looks like PJ Tucker could be the next one on that list, as the LA Clippers and 38 year-old veteran have been exploring avenues to part ways. According to Sports Illustrated, LA has granted his camp permission to discuss trades with other teams. The Heat have reportedly been one of them, with Tucker expressing interest in joining his former team.
He was a big piece to Miami’s 2021-22 season that featured them finishing with the top seed in the Eastern Conference. But does a reunion make sense in the big 2024?
On paper, there might not be a need for an older Tucker on coach Erik Spoelstra’s depth chart. The Heat already have Nikola Jovic developing and manning the starting power forward spot. Haywood Highsmith also brings similarities to Tucker’s 3 and D game in the second unit. However, there should always be a consideration to bring in a player with a winning reputation.
Miami won’t need him to man a starters spot with extended minutes right now like how it was back in the 2021-22 season. But it provides more depth and a defensive minded guy that can allow players to play more freely. More importantly, he brings leadership on and off the floor as a voice that can hold players accountable.
Tucker’s energy and grittiness gave the Heat’s rotation a huge boost just a couple of seasons ago. In the disappointing season-opening loss at home, those were qualities that the team was missing on the court. Miami was known as the “Kennel” back when they had his services at the forward position for a reason.
The point of attack defense on the perimeter and size in the paint could help bring some more versatility to Spoelstra’s lineups.
Being that he is on an expiring contract, it could be an attractive trade piece for Pat Riley to pursue. The Heat cannot take in more salary than they send out, so finding a way to maneuver a trade could be interesting. If it comes down to Tucker being waived, a buyout acquisition could make even more sense.
Although the aging former Heatle is going up against Father Time, bringing in a role player that has a proven track history of making a winning impact is worth discussing.
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We already have a much younger and cheaper version of Tucker. His name is Highsmith.
No 👎 they better not, doesn’t make any sense, he too old, not trying to get older, and don’t want him taking any minutes from the young guys. Plus he left us already, why would you want him back. I hope Riley ain’t that desperate after losing on pat Riley court opening night.
Maybe I know nothing about basketball but I can’t see how this is a good move. Of all the choices one can make and this is where we look? Not sure if really anyone else, including his own team, wants this guy. So why do we?
$11.5 million left on his contract? And that’s not even counting his Social Security!! Makes no sense at all to me!!