NBA Trade Rumors: PJ Tucker Declines $7.4 Million Player Option With Miami Heat, Enters Free Agency
One of the main players from the Miami Heat’s 53-win team from last season is hoping for a greater payout. Free agency in the NBA is set to begin in late June. An official start date has yet to be announced by the league. Tucker’s services were expected to be retained by the Miami Heat.
PJ Tucker got along well with Heat coach Erik Spoelstra and the team’s general culture. P. J. Tucker, on the other hand, has declined his $7.4 million player option for the 2022-23 season. Tucker’s transfer was expected after a good season in Miami.
Given his age, this revelation may have come as a shock to some. However, according to Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, Tucker’s decision to reject the option was “100% expected” and doesn’t mean his time in Miami is over, as the Heat are likely to “fight for his return” and Tucker “made it clear to teammates” about his desire to return to the 305.
PJ Tucker to enter free agency ahead of 2022-23
P. J. Tucker, a Miami Heat forward, will opt out of his $7.4 million player option for 2022-23 and become a free agent, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. Tucker, who is 6-foot-5, is likely to be a highly sought-after addition to a competitive side. In the 2020-21 season, he was a vital part of Milwaukee’s championship drive.
Miami’s PJ Tucker will opt out of his $7.4 million player option for the 2022-23 season and enter free agency, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Several championship contending teams are expected to compete for Tucker, who was a key part of Milwaukee’s title run in 2021.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 20, 2022
In 71 games (70 starts) with the Heat last season, Tucker averaged 7.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. In 18 postseason games, he averaged 7.9 points and 5.7 rebounds. In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Heat were defeated by Boston. Tucker has a lifetime scoring average of 7.1 points in 777 regular season games (581 starts) for five clubs.
Tucker is a fierce and savvy 1-5 switching forward on defence. He also slams the corner three with ease. Erik Spoelstra has consistently stated that he is great for Heat culture, and the Heat would hate to lose him. Tucker is 37 years old, and the Miami Heat are hoping to replace him with someone younger. These are the drawbacks. On the plus side, Tucker and the Heat both agree he’d be a great fit in Miami.
