PJ Tucker runs on during Game 5 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference semifinals.
PJ Tucker will reportedly add his name to this summer’s pool of available free agents.
The 37-year-old Miami Heat forward is set to opt out of his current contract, foregoing the $7.4 million in its remaining year, and enter unrestricted free agency per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Miami’s PJ Tucker will opt out of his $7.4 million player option for the 2022-23 season and enter free agency, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Several championship contending teams are expected to compete for Tucker, who was a key part of Milwaukee’s title run in 2021.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 20, 2022
Tucker, who played a key role in the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2021 title run and Miami’s appearance in the 2022 Eastern Conference finals, could be in high demand for contenders in need of a rugged defender well-versed in guarding the league’s best frontcourt players.
Originally a second-round pick in 2006, Tucker followed his brief rookie campaign with a five-year stint overseas before carving out a permanent NBA niche with relentless effort on defense and a vastly improved 3-point shot.
The 6-foot-5 veteran averaged 7.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while shooting 41.5% on 3-pointers last season for Miami, which came within one game of making the Finals before losing to Boston.
