Opposing teams expect veteran forward P.J. Tucker to sign a three-year, $30 million with the 76ers in free agency, per Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
Tucker, 37, is opting out of his contract after one season with the Heat to become an unrestricted free agent. Returning to Miami would serve as a “surprise” to those familiar with Tucker’s plans, Stein indicated.
Tucker played with current 76ers guard James Harden when the two were with the Rockets. Former Houston GM Daryl Morey is now the head of basketball operations in Philadelphia, and is also believed to be a fan of Tucker.
Morey already orchestrated one offseason trade, landing De’Anthony Melton from the Grizzlies in exchange for Danny Green and the No. 23 pick (Colorado State forward David Roddy) on draft night.
The Sixers remain on the lookout for potential trades centered on Tobias Harris and/or Matisse Thybulle, per Stein.
Tucker is 6-5 and despite his advanced basketball age, is considered one of the league’s top perimeter defenders, a 3-and-D guy and overall winner. He averaged 7.6 points and 5.5 rebounds with the Heat last season, one year after winning a title with the Bucks.
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