It could be a quiet trade deadline for the Atlanta Hawks, especially with the widespread notion that Paul Millsap is completely off the market. However, the possibility remains that Mike Budenholzer and company could be looking to “buy” and a report surfaced on Tuesday afternoon to that end.
This time, the rumored target is Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker and it isn’t the first time that the Hawks have been included among teams with interest.
Sources: Teams showing interest in trading for Suns swingman P.J. Tucker include the Raptors, Wizards, Clippers, Hawks, Celtics and Jazz.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) February 21, 2017
Tucker, who is 31 years old, is a valuable player based on defensive versatility and a reasonable three-point stroke. The 6-foot-6 forward is on an expiring $5.3 million contract, however, which could diminish his value considerably.
In a vacuum, the Hawks would be improved by adding Tucker (depending on cost), if only because he could serve as a quality backup at both forward spots. Still, Atlanta’s potential upgrade in this type of deal would be relatively minimal and the fact that Tucker would simply add to a lengthy list of expiring contracts is also a consideration.
In short, P.J. Tucker would be a useful piece but giving up anything of real value for a two-month rental would likely be a mistake. Let the rumor mill churn.
Hawks Trade deadlineDoesn't sound like the Atlanta Hawks plan to be sellers but if they do here are some names to keep an eye on.
Posted by Peachtree Hoops on Thursday, January 12, 2017