76ers Rumor Roundup: Thybulle trade package, PJ Tucker opts out, Eric Gordon trade
The NBA Draft is just a few days away, and rumors are starting to make their rounds on the internet, with the Philadelphia 76ers involved in several reports as a team looking to make a few moves.
Thybulle Trade Package and Moving Tobias Harris
It’s been reported across a few different media outlets that the 76ers are looking to make a three-team trade that could involve Matisse Thybulle and the No. 23 pick to create space. They’re also looking at options for Tobias Harris but continue to have trouble finding a team willing to take on the two-years, $76.9 million remaining on his contract.
PJ Tucker Opts Out
Depending on how that shakes out, it’s starting to look like the 76ers are keeping tabs on PJ Tucker, who many consider as viable Tobias Harris replacement. To be clear, I completely disagree, but according to Shams Charania, Tucker will opt out of his $7.4 million player option for the 2022-23 season and enter free agency.
Tucker played just over three seasons in Houston before being traded to the Bucks in March 2021. He helped Giannis and Co. win the NBA title before signing with the Miami Heat in free agency last summer.
Tucker opting out of his player option is intriguing. NBA Free Agency doesn’t start until June 30th and any official negotiations can’t even happen until then or they’ll be considered tampering. However, according to Keith Pompey, multiple sources have the Sixers intending to offer Tucker a three-year $30 million contract.
Yeah, I’m going to have to say no.
I completely understand that PJ Tucker is a solid player and would provide the 76ers with some toughness that they clearly lacked last season, but he’s also 37 years old and I’m not really interested in bringing in another old guy to fill a hole, even more so if it’s over Tobias Harris.
For the Tobias Harris haters, trust me, I hear you, but you’re wrong on this one. PJ Tucker IS NOT worth $10 million a year at this stage in his career so just let it go and let’s move on. That report sounds like Tucker’s people are trying to drive up his price rather than a realistic amount to pay the 37 year old veteran.
Side Note: The Liberty Line went down to Miami for Game 5 during the playoffs, we walked out of the airport with PJ Tucker’s agent, who also represents Charlie Brown Jr. The guy lives in Garnet Valley (Shoutout Delco) so maybe he wants to get his guy in Philly?
Pure speculation but there’s definitely a connection here in the Philly area.
Eric Gordon to Philly?
ESPN reported that the Suns and 76ers are possible suitors for Rockets shooting guard Eric Gordon. The 33-year old still has two years remaining on his contract and will make $19.5 million next season, with a non-guaranteed $20.9 million deal in 2023-2024.
Honestly, Gordon would be fine depending on the trade package but I’m not really thrilled about any of these options. There will definitely be more on the way so we’ll keep you posted. Stay tuned.
