PJ Tucker on contract extension talks with Rockets: ‘Next question’

A previous report had called Tucker “irate” regarding his contract situation, and he wasn’t in the mood to discuss it at training camp.

Veteran forward PJ Tucker was reportedly “irate” last season over not receiving a contract extension or raise from the Houston Rockets, according to Kelly Iko, Shams Charania, and Sam Amick of The Athletic. As of Monday’s training camp, it still appeared to be a sore subject.

“Next question,” Tucker said in his first media availability of the 2020-21 season. He was asked whether any extension talks had been had.

Tucker also aggressively turned away multiple questions related to close friend James Harden, who has yet to report to training camp in Houston after reportedly requesting a trade in the offseason. “I’m here to speak about PJ Tucker,” the 35-year-old said on two occasions.

Tucker did practice with the team at Monday’s training camp, a day after sitting out group activities due to NBA safety protocols.

While Tucker is already under contract for the 2020-21 season, it appears that he would prefer to extend his stay for 2021-22 and beyond.

The versatile forward would also like a pay increase from his current salary of approximately $8 million per season, per The Athletic’s report:

Tucker, the undeniable glue of the team, [was] irate over his contract situation all season long, sources said. Tucker, who signed for around $8 million a season back in 2017, has seen other ‘Three-and-D’ wings around the league receive paydays in less important situations than a key starter for a contender and believes he is worthy of a raise, sources said.

Tucker, sources said, has stated his intent to finish his career as a Rocket for a long time, but felt insulted by Houston’s decision to delay extension discussions and wait until after the Feb. 6 trade deadline to guarantee his 2020-21 salary.

Tucker will be 36 years old when his current deal expires. That makes him an older player by NBA standards, which would seem to complicate any extension offer — especially if done a year in advance. Ideally, the Rockets would prefer to have a better idea as to his form and physical state a year from now before submitting a contract offer of significance.

Then again, the gritty 6-foot-5 forward has already shown immense value to the team in recent years — both on and off the court. Over three seasons in Houston, Tucker has averaged 6.8 points (36.9% on 3-pointers) and 6.0 rebounds in 32.0 minutes per game. While he’s one of the team’s older players, he’s also the only Rocket to play in every game in both the regular season and playoffs during those years. Since 2012-13, Tucker has played in the most games of any player in the entire league.

Tucker is widely regarded as one of the NBA’s best and toughest defenders, and he’s also one of the top leaders in Houston’s locker room.

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