Ever since the Utah Jazz acquired PJ Tucker, the sentiment from the very get-go has been "he's not playing for them." That was confirmed right away, too. They don't have any use for him on the court, but financially, they could get some use out of him.
Tucker is on an expiring contract worth $11.5 million. It remains to be seen if he's still a productive player because he barely played for the LA Clippers. He'll likely get his chance, but only after he gets waived after the trade deadline.
For now, the Jazz have the next two days to dangle his contract to teams trying to save money. NBA teams are trying to avoid these implemented tax aprons like the plague. The Jazz don't have to worry about that because they're nowhere close to those tax aprons, and the cap is expected to rise over the next few years.
That's where Tucker's value comes in. An expiring contract like his would help teams avoid those aprons, especially if they have expendable players on extended contracts.
Multiple playoff contenders have those, which is why the following three teams make sense
1. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets are pressing their luck with their payroll, as they are just under the league's second tax apron. While they are likely on the market to get something better, they also may try to cut the fat. The fat in question is backup center Zeke Nnaji, who just started a four-year, $32 million contract.
Nnaji has not taken the steps Denver likely wanted to see from him. In fact, he's regressed and has barely factored into how they've done this season. That's a bad sign seeing how much he's getting paid and for how long.
The Jazz would be more than happy to help the Nuggets get rid of him by sending them Tucker, but don't be surprised if they make it abundantly clear they won't settle for anything less than a first-rounder. They also would likely want one of the Nuggets' youngsters to go with him.
2. Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have been back with a vengeance this season. As a small market team, like the Jazz, they will try to cut costs if their roster gets a little expensive. Who'd be the most likely candidate to help them keep their core intact if his contract was off the books? John Konchar.
Konchar just started a three-year, $18 million deal, and he barely sees the floor. The Grizzlies will want to keep some of their core intact as they hope to go on their longest run of the Ja Morant eta. That's where the Jazz can step in.
Memphis would have to add another contract to make a trade work, but Tucker not only gets Konchar off their payroll, but he could also be a good veteran leader for them, though he would demand to play. Of course, the Jazz will likely want another young player or draft asset, though their price may not be as high for Memphis as it would be for Denver.
3. Milwaukee Bucks
Of all the teams listed here, the Bucks are the least likely. They want to cut costs, but not at the price of rotation players. Milwaukee is above the NBA's second tax apron, would love to below it, and aren't too far off from ducking it.
However, to make a trade for Tucker, they would likely have to give up Bobby Portis. Technically, that works, and it would save them money, but the talent downgrade likely wouldn't be worth it, knowing how old Tucker is.
But there would be sentimental aspects to it. Tucker helped the Bucks win the title in 2021, so maybe there'd be a feel-good story. However, more often than not, championships aren't won on sentiment. Maybe Tucker would go there once he's waived but via trade? Not likely.
Still, it is an option, and no one knows how desperate the Bucks are to get under that second tax apron.