NBA Trade Rumors: 9 under-the-radar candidates that could help contenders
It’s nearly NBA trade season, as the 2021 NBA Trade Deadline is less than two months away. We’ve likely already seen the biggest name (James Harden) moved that we’re going to see change teams, but there are still several other under-the-radar candidates that could be a huge asset for both playoff and championship contenders.
As we inch closer to the trade deadline, we explore nine underrated role players that could give contenders a second-wind heading into the playoff push.
NBA Trade Deadline candidate: PJ Tucker, Houston Rockets
Whether you believe the Houston Rockets can make a real push towards the playoffs in the Western Conference this season or not, there’s likely a strong chance that the team still trades PJ Tucker ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
Tucker is a veteran that would be a huge asset to any contending team looking to add depth to their rotation. He’s a proven 3-point shooter (42 percent on the season), can defend almost every position on the floor, and would provide any team with much-needed experience heading into the playoff push.
He also wouldn’t be all that expensive and would likely only warrant a first-round pick to get a deal done with Houston. If there’s any contender that is looking to add a versatile defender, there’s no question that Tucker should be their target at the deadline. If he is indeed shopped over the next few weeks, there will be plenty of suitors for his services.