P.J. Tucker Agrees to Stay Away from Clippers Amid Trade Speculation

The Los Angeles Clippers and veteran forward P.J. Tucker have reached a mutual agreement that Tucker will stay away from the team temporarily as they work on determining his future. The Clippers revealed this decision in a statement on Sunday, indicating ongoing discussions with Tucker and his agents to resolve the situation.

P.J. Tucker, 39, became a part of the Clippers’ roster following a significant trade that brought in James Harden in 2023. With a player option for the 2024-25 season valued at $11.5 million, Tucker opted to exercise this contract option, securing his presence for the upcoming season.

“P.J. is a professional who has achieved many successes in his career and has more he wants to accomplish. We will continue to work with P.J. and his representative to find the best situation for him moving forward,” stated the Clippers.

Tucker, who entered the NBA as a second-round pick and initially played abroad for five seasons before returning to establish himself as a versatile role player in the league, is respected for his defensive capabilities. His versatility was key during his stints with the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets, with the latter utilizing Tucker as a small-ball center. This adaptability helped Tucker win an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks and nearly reach another Finals with the Miami Heat, eventually leading to a lucrative three-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.

However, the 76ers, aiming to clear cap space in preparation for a potential James Harden trade, included Tucker’s final-year option in the transaction with the Clippers. While expectations were for Tucker to become an instrumental bench player for Los Angeles, he found limited opportunities, appearing in only 28 games due to age and role constraints.

Despite the Clippers losing some key players this offseason, the addition of several defensive-minded wings, including Nicolas Batum, has further limited Tucker’s chances on court. Reports suggest both Tucker and the Clippers are considering a trade involving his expiring contract. If a trade is unattainable, there remains the possibility of a buyout agreement, although for the time being, Tucker maintains his distance from the team as negotiations continue.