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Washington Wizards NBA Trade Deadline 2017: Wizards Interested In P.J. Tucker

By Ben Mehic

Feb 13, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) reacts to a call made in the second half of the NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The New Orleans Pelicans won 110-108. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) reacts to a call made in the second half of the NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The New Orleans Pelicans won 110-108. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Wizards are looking to bolster their bench before the 2017 NBA Trade Deadline. Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker is an option.

Sitting third in the Eastern Conference, the Washington Wizards are looking to capitalize on what’s been their most successful season since 1978.

John Wall, who’s averaging 23 points and 11 assists, is on pace to make an All-NBA team for the first time in his career. Bradley Beal, known for his 3-point shooting, has become an all-around scorer. Otto Porter is leading the league in 3-point percentage.

Washington’s starters, particularly the wings, have carried the team on the offensive end of the floor. But for the Wizards to challenge the Cleveland Cavaliers in the postseason, Scott Brooks‘ club will need to address the depth.

Ernie Grunfeld hoped the additional youth would give Brooks versatile options, but the likes of Trey Burke, Tomas Satoransky and Andrew Nicholson have been wildly inconsistent, forcing Brooks to overuse the starters.

Currently, the Wizards’ second unit is 29th in scoring. The bench is also last in field goal percentage, making them the least reliable bench in the entire league.

Washington has been linked to multiple players who could fill the scoring void, including Los Angeles Lakers guard Lou Williams and Brooklyn Nets forward Bojan Bogdanovic.

On Tuesday afternoon, Michael Scotto of Basketball Insider reported that Washington is also interested in Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker.

This season, Tucker has averaged 7 points and 6 rebounds on 41.6 percent shooting the field. He’s making roughly 34 percent of his shots from three.

Statistically, Tucker is having a mediocre season. But like Kelly Oubre and Otto Porter, Tucker’s skill-set isn’t reflected well on the boxscore.

Tucker is best known for his gritty defense, which doesn’t always translate into steals or blocks.

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He’s disruptive defensively, often forcing opposing players into contested shots and throwing others off with his physical style of play.

Tucker is also a capable 3-point shooter, making him a 3-and-D option. In 2014, Tucker made 39 percent of his threes.

Unlike Williams or Bogdanovic, the Washington Wizards likely wouldn’t have to give up a first-round pick to acquire Tucker from the Suns.

Phoenix wants to clear playing time for their developing players, making Tucker expendable. They would likely want multiple second round picks in return.

Tucker will get $5.3 million this season. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent in the summer, so teams inquiring about his availability understand that he could be a rental.

Kelly Oubre has been manning the backup small-forward spot for the Washington Wizards. If the team trades for Tucker, Oubre would likely be slotted at the two spot. Brooks would then have to decide what to do between Burke and Satoransky, who’ve competed for the backup point guard position.

Next: How the Wizards Could Trade For Paul George

The NBA Trade Deadline is on February 23. Tucker has been linked to the Wizards for years. Perhaps Grunfeld will finally find a way to bring Tucker to D.C. this season.

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