The injury-plagued Los Angeles Clippers have found themselves subject of major trade rumors as the second half of the season has kicked off. Various reports have them linked to New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony. Though, that’s more about the Knicks themselves reaching out to the Clippers (more on that here).
With Chris Paul sidelined at least for the next couple weeks, Los Angeles is looking for outside reinforcements. According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, that includes Phoenix Suns wing P.J. Tucker.
“The Clippers have offered a future second-round pick for Suns forward P.J. Tucker — who is said to have a not-so-secret admirer in Doc Rivers,” Stein reported. “But sources say Phoenix is holding out for a first-rounder in exchange for the rugged defensive specialist.”
Tucker is among the top defensive players at his position. The veteran forward is also averaging 6.5 points and 5.8 rebounds this season. Unfortunately for the Clippers, they don’t have a first-round pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. They’ve also dealt their 2019 first-round pick away.
This makes it hard for the Clippers to complete a deal that primarily includes the team trading away draft pick assets. And per Stein’s report, the Suns want a first rounder for Tucker.