The Los Angeles Clippers and veteran forward P.J. Tucker have mutually agreed to allow Tucker to stay away from the team as both sides work towards a resolution on his future, the Clippers announced Sunday. The Clippers landed Tucker as part of their blockbuster trade acquisition of James Harden in 2023. He had an $11.5 million player option for the 2024-25 season that he chose to exercise.
“We’ve had ongoing conversations with P.J. throughout the offseason and have both decided that he won’t be with the team for the time being,” the Clippers wrote in a statement. “P.J. is a pro who has achieved a lot in his career and there’s more he wants to accomplish. We will continue working with P.J. and his representative to find the best situation for him moving forward.”
Tucker, a former second-round pick who spent five seasons playing abroad before returning to the NBA and establishing himself as a valuable role player, has been among the NBA’s more versatile defensive players over the past decade and change.
After steadily growing on lottery-bound Phoenix Suns teams, he broke out after signing with the Houston Rockets in 2018. The Rockets used him as a small-ball center that could stretch the floor and switch across multiple positions.
That versatility helped him win a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks, nearly make it back to NBA Finals with Miami Heat, and then earn a hefty three-year deal from Philadelphia 76ers.
The 76ers decided to plan around 2024 cap space and needed to clear their existing contracts off of books as they looked for Harden trade so they moved Tucker along with his 2024-25 player option in Harden deal.
The Clippers expected Tucker would be valuable bench player but he struggled carving out role; appeared only in 28 games but given age (39) & limited opportunities recognized couldn’t out-earn $11M owed on option & picked it up.
Still, seemingly prefer being on team more interested playing him; lost Paul George this offseason but added number defensive-minded wings like Derrick Jones Jr., Nic Batum & Kris Dunn; don’t have minutes offer so now likely seek trade w/ expiring contract or if no trade can be found possible buyout eventually agreed upon w/ Tucker & Clips.
