The Miami Heat have signed forward PJ Tucker, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. Tucker joins the Heat fresh off of a championship run with the Milwaukee Bucks.
According to Charania, the deal is for two years and worth $15 million. Tucker will have a player option in the second year of the contract.
Miami will use the majority of their MLE to get the deal done. This eliminates the pathway to signing players such as DeMar DeRozan and Kelly Oubre Jr with the MLE.
PJ Tucker signs two-year, $15 million deal with Miami Heat
Tucker was a big part of Milwaukee’s playoff run last year. He provided elite defense against some of the league’s best players on their way to their second championship in franchise history.
In addition, Tucker has proven to be an elite three-point shooter in the past. More specifically, he has been one of the best shooters from the corner in recent years.
Last season, Tucker averaged 3.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. He shot 37.3% from the field and 33.6% from three-point range.
Anyone who has watched Tucker, though, knows his impact is far greater than stats. His defense and intensity are what make him so special.
What’s even better is that the Miami Heat now have someone who can start at power forward. Before they signed Tucker, that position was empty.
Trevor Ariza chose to sign with the Lakers, thus leaving the Heat with no starting four. Tucker can slide into that role with ease.
A starting lineup of Kyle Lowry, Duncan Robinson, Jimmy Butler, Tucker, and Bam Adebayo is one of the best defensive lineups in the NBA. No one will be messing with them at all.
Pat Riley has made an abundance of moves already this offseason. Tucker was a great signing, and there could still be more in store for the Miami Heat.