We already paid him for his historical performance. He got a paycheck in every one of those seasons. The next contract is based on future expected production.
That's water under the bridge at this point, my guy....and a value judgement that is completely subjective. Tucker was extremely well compensated here and remains that way. He voluntarily entered into that agreement. The next agreement is based on our team's needs during that new period of time... and PJ Tucker's projected capabilities during that new period of time.
Cmon man, you know when it concerns money and severely outperforming your contract that its never water under the bridge. If any of us were in his position we would feel the same way.
Since Harden trade Team Offensive Rating: 108.4 ( 24th overall) Team defensive rating : 102.8 (1st overall) Net : +5.6 (7th) Tucker ON Team Offensive Rating : 102.2 Team Defensive Rating : 106.9 Net : -4.7 Tate ON Tucker OFF (~88 minutes) Offensive Rating : 124.9 Defensive Rating : 77.7 Net : A MIND BLOWING +47.2
I mean there’s no argument to not extend him, give him the longest contract possible but with lower pay maybe 8-12 mil ??? Then at least you retain an asset and if a contender wants him you trade him and get something back or an equal salary player. Now if he wants big money then that is a sticking point. The other caveat is if you extend a players contract then there’s some rule where he cannot be traded or something I’m not sure??
Unfortunately I don't expect the rockets to try contend in 21-22 So I don't see us extending Tucker. I expect both Oladipo & Tucker will be allowed to expire or used in a sign and trade for young talent
He does the dirty work - without taking touches away from other guys on the offensive end... yes, that is a perfect teammate to play with - for most players... but it aint whats best for the team imo... When u got Harden and another 'superstar' vying for offensive touches - PJ is the guy you want. When you have a more balanced team and everybody needs to contribute on both ends - not so much... I've loved most of PJs tenure as a Rocket (didnt appreciate the 'loyalty' bs regarding Harden - gross misstep...) and I would love to keep him around as locker room presence and work ethic guy on a backup money type contract... but the dude is no longer a starting caliber player... at least not for what we need from the position...
If we think that Tucker is a positive asset on an $8 MM expiring contract, and that his level of play isn’t going to fall off a cliff any time soon, it is reasonable to assume that he will still be a positive asset if extended another year or two at the same salary. My preferred outcomes for PJ are in the following order: Extend for one/two years in $8-10 MM range Trade for a FRP this year Let his contract expire and risk him leaving in free agency The team has really gelled recently and it would be nice to see what they can do, but the worst thing would be to lose him without recouping any value. But Stone is from the school of Morey and won’t allow that to happen when we are in asset accumulation mode. We may see something similar to the Alston-Lowry deal, where we trade a key piece of a contending team for a younger guy that can contribute now and be a part of “re-tooling”.
I hate analytics sometimes. These numbers also made us think Ariza could be replaced by an Ennis or throwing Ego at the 3 would be ok. What Tuck brings to every game can't be measured. Pay this man. Fertitta has the money now that we replaced Harden for a 24 mil expiring contract. He takes charge. He is teaching these kids how to play switching defense. When we need a stop he is the one guy you can count on. If he sucked so bad contenders would not be calling Houston for his services. That says it right there. He's earned his respect!
Im fine with either tbh. Looking at his stat this season and Stephen Silas's system, PJ isnt doing well so it helps us in that regard. But if they want to trade him to a contender, thats fine too. I just want the guy to get what he wants because he deserves it.
