Why Warriors-Rockets P.J. Tucker trade seems unlikely for many reasons

Warriors fans really, really want the franchise to acquire P.J. Tucker from the Houston Rockets.

And the desire has intensified since the Rockets traded James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, signaling Houston might soon look to be a seller.

The Warriors have the ability to trade for Tucker using the $9.3 million disabled player exception they were granted following the season-ending Achilles injury to Klay Thompson.

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But there are a couple reasons why you shouldn't expect Tucker to be wearing a Golden State uniform before the March 25 trade deadline.

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First, acquiring the forward and his nearly $8 million in salary would result in the Warriors' already insanely high luxury tax bill skyrocketing by tens of millions in additional penalties.

Joe Lacob: "We're in the worst situation financially of any team. We're in the best situation normally. But we're in the worst (right now) by a lot because we're losing more revenues than any other team in a pandemic. We're losing 80 percent of our revenue." https://t.co/5EhxZSOu1l
— Drew Shiller (@DrewShiller) November 20, 2020

When you consider the fact that the organization is losing hundreds of millions on its bottom line because of the pandemic, it's safe to assume Joe Lacob isn't exactly champing at the bit to lose even more money. Remember, the Warriors didn't use the full taxpayer mid-level exception in large part because of the financial consequences.

Furthermore, one would think the Rockets will demand a first-round pick in exchange for Tucker. And even though the 6-foot-5 forward brings a lot to the table, is it worth giving up that kind of asset for someone who will turn 36 years old in May and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent? And even with Tucker in the mix, would the Warriors have a legitimate shot at winning the title this year?