MILWAUKEE (NBC 26) — The Bucks are trading for Rockets forward P.J. Tucker, according to ESPN.
Tucker, a 35-year-old forward, will provide a reliable three-point threat and some defensive grit to the Bucks, who are hopeful to finally get over the hump in the playoffs this year.
ESPN reports the Bucks will also acquire Rodions Kurucs and their own 2022 first-round pick, which the Rockets had held. Milwaukee is giving up D.J. Augustin, D.J. Wilson and a 2023 first-round pick. The Bucks will also likely have to give up their 2021 first-round pick in exchange for the Rockets' 2021 second-round pick.
Sources: Houston is trading PJ Tucker, Rodions Kurucs and Bucks’ 2022 first-round pick back to Milwaukee for DJ Augustin, DJ Wilson and 2023 unprotected first-round pick. Houston also gets right to swap its 2021 second-round pick for Milwaukee's FRP pick unless it falls 1-9.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 17, 2021
Long story short, the Bucks got what they apparently wanted: A veteran player with some playoff experience to help them get over the hump in the postseason.
ESPN reported that "Tucker, 35, is the key to the trade for the Bucks, who were determined to add his defensive grit and playoff experience to their playoff push."
Tucker shoots a 36 percent from three-point range over his career, and also provides "switch-ability" on defense, meaning he can defend multiple positions. Although only 6'5", he often plays the center position and was a key cog in the Rockets' "small-ball" style that was popular when James Harden, now with the Nets, was in Houston.
In a separate deal, Milwaukee also traded Torrey Craig to the Phoenix Suns. The Bucks are not getting a player back in that deal, according to ESPN.
The trade is not yet official, though it has been widely reported.
