It’s no secret that 13-year NBA veteran PJ Tucker isn’t happy with his role with the Clippers. While the team spent the offseason trying to trade Tucker, it appears their attempts have failed.
According to a report by Law Murray of The AthleticThe LA Clippers are preparing to start the 2024-25 NBA season with PJ Tucker on their roster. Here’s the excerpt from Murray article
“According to league sources, the Clippers are preparing for the possibility that forward PJ Tucker will also be with the team to start the season,” Murray said“Tucker opted into the final year of his contract and while the Clippers have considered trading him, roster spots around the league are capped, making a deal unlikely before training camp.”
Last season with the Clippers, PJ Tucker made it public that he was unhappy with his role on the team.
“I feel like I still have a lot to bring to a team to be able to win, whether it’s here or elsewhere,” Tucker told Tomer Azarly of Clutchpoints“I know myself, I know my value. I know what I bring. I know what I have brought. I know what I can continue to bring. And with that, I want to be able to join a good team that I can contribute to.”
The Clippers have tried to play Tucker a few times throughout the season, but the team is ultimately playing better without him on the court. Last season, he averaged 1.6 points and 2.5 rebounds in 15 minutes per game, while shooting 36/37/48. Not only has Tucker lost his edge as a shooter, but he’s also incredibly hesitant to shoot. The Clippers even gave Tucker a hard time in the playoffs, where he averaged 5.5 points and 1.5 rebounds on a fantastic 67 percent shooting; it was a huge improvement over his regular season performance.
PJ Tucker has one year left on his contract, worth $11.5 million. Tucker’s productivity, combined with his contract, makes him an incredibly difficult player to trade. With that in mind, it’s now up to the LA Clippers and PJ Tucker to find a middle ground next season that satisfies both parties.
