The Los Angeles Clippers and veteran journeyman P.J. Tucker have mutually agreed to remain distant until a resolution between the two parties is worked out. Tucker still has value even in his latter NBA years, and the Clippers organization is hopeful that they can help find the veteran a new home sooner rather than later.
Clippers P.J Tucker Will Not Re-Join Team this Season
P.J. Tucker and Clippers to Remain Distant
P.J. Tucker, the veteran journeyman of 13 NBA seasons, played for the Los Angeles Clippers last season but will not re-join the organization for the new season. Tucker was part of the Clippers-76ers trade that saw James Harden move to L.A. in 2023. Nicolas Batum, Robert Covington, Marcus Morris, and K.J. Martin were sent to Philly. However, Tucker’s playing time and usage were minimal, averaging just 10 minutes in 28 games. He averaged a lowly 1.6 points in those minutes.
According to Senior NBA writer Marc J. Spears, the Clippers intend to move Tucker at some point soon.
The Clippers say PJ Tucker is not with the team for “the time being” and they are working with his agent to “find him the best situation moving forward.” pic.twitter.com/AlTg5P2IGj
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) October 6, 2024
Whether Tucker’s complete departure from the Clippers comes via trade or buyout (his expiring contract is worth $11.5 million), the 3-and-D specialist is heading elsewhere this season.
Tucker’s Rocky Clippers Tenure
From the start, Tucker didn’t fit with the Clippers. It didn’t take long for his number to be exiled to the bench more often than not. In mid-season in February, Tucker publicly mentioned he was attempting to get traded from L.A. after not playing in nearly three months. The NBA subsequently fined him $75,000 for his comments. He knew his fit with the team was shaky and wanted out.
“… I feel like I shouldn’t have to go through this,” Tucker told ClutchPoints regarding his status with the Clippers at the time. “I didn’t ask to be here. I didn’t ask for, and I didn’t demand a trade to be here.”
Despite venting his public frustrations, Tucker remained with the team until the season’s end. It’s almost confusing why the veteran wasn’t moved over the offseason and technically remains part of the Clippers roster.
Tucker Still Has Value…Elsewhere
I wouldn’t be so quick to count Tucker out just yet. Put aside a forgettable season in LA, Tucker still offers the traits that made him reliable while in Miami and Milwaukee, where he helped the Bucks win the NBA Championship in 2021.
His defensive energy, tenacity, and awareness are still evident in his game. While he is not an offensive threat, he can still shoot the three, making him, all in all, still a sold 3-and-D type of player for a team. There will surely be a few teams in need of veterans’ services. Expect championship contenders to inquire about him. Now that his time in L.A. is officially closed, it should only be a matter of time until the former champion plays again.
