Now that the Los Angeles Clippers are allowing PJ Tucker’s agent to engage with other teams in order to facilitate a trade (per senior NBA insider Chris Haynes), the Dallas Mavericks are in prime position to add what could be a key piece to their championship puzzle.
Sources: Los Angeles Clippers granted permission for PJ Tucker’s agent Andre Buck to speak with other teams to facilitate working on a trade. Both sides continue working together while the veteran remains away from the team waiting for an opportunity to contribute to winning. pic.twitter.com/RUqXeOgOLE
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 24, 2024
Tucker has averaged 4.8 points (on 40.2 percent shooting from three) per game over the past three seasons. From a productivity standpoint, his numbers have been modest, notwithstanding the efficiency. However, the barrel-chested and battle-tested veteran remains capable of guarding multiple positions at a high level.
Mavs Among Best Possible Trade Destinations For PJ Tucker
In the 2024 offseason, the Mavs’ decision to trade for renowned sharpshooter Klay Thompson spoke to their desire to enhance the offense.
To be blunt, after they laid an egg in the 2024 NBA Finals, Dallas knew they needed a cool and confident scorer to knock down the looks Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving gave them. When they fell to the Boston Celtics, they actually managed to hold the now reigning champions below 44 percent shooting from the field and 34 percent shooting from three.
That being said, the formula that led to the Mavs reaching the Finals was Doncic, Irving, and defense. Now that Thompson has replaced Derrick Jones Jr. in the starting lineup, their offense has a higher ceiling. Yet, with multiple contenders making their offense more dynamic this offseason, Dallas’ defensive floor should be raised too.
It’s Simple, Well… Kind Of
This is where it gets really interesting.
If trading for Tucker, the Mavs don’t have to bother with trying to match salaries. Dallas has multiple trade exceptions, the largest of which is worth $16.2 million, enough to absorb Tucker’s $11.5 million expiring contract. Because the Mavs currently have 15 players on standard contracts, they would still have to move someone to make room for him though.
Looking at the roster, Dante Exum is the most likely candidate to be waived or traded.
Time Is Of The Essence
After signing a two-year, $6.2 million contract with the Mavs in 2023, he’s on the final year of his deal. He’s currently injured and expected to be out for three months. He played surprisingly well in the 2023-24 regular season, even shooting 49.1 percent from deep. However, he came back down to earth in the postseason, shooting 35.0 percent from long-range.
Tucker isn’t exactly a three-point marksman, but has made 40.4 percent of his threes in the postseason. He’s also as healthy as a horse right now, giving him a leg up in terms of his availability. To that point, being reliable — in terms of availability —isn’t just about being of use to the team in a game. It’s also about establishing and building on-court chemistry.
Exum won’t be able to do that until 2025, whereas Tucker can begin that process as soon as he touches down in the Texas plains.
