Veteran power forward P.J. Tucker might not be a member of the Los Angeles Clippers for too long. According to multiple reports, Tucker is unhappy with his role on the team and might push for a trade.
Tucker joined the Clippers as part of the trade with the Philadelphia 76ers that landed James Harden in LA. The 38-year-old player was expected to be a valuable contributor to the team off the bench but hasn’t played much recently.
Clippers’ head coach Ty Lue didn’t put Tucker in at all in the past five games, while he only played 14 games combined in the last two games he was on the floor. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Tucker’s struggles earlier in the season, which included career-lows in shooting and 3-point percentage, as well as the team’s commitment to younger players, have left the veteran stranded.
Charania reports that Tucker has behaved like a professional, even serving as a mentor for the players who replaced him in a lineup. However, he isn’t hiding his frustration with lack of playing time and has had discussions with the Clippers’ front office about parting ways.
P.J. Tucker will likely get the attention of more than a few teams. While he rarely fills up the stat sheet, Tucker is known as a valuable defender who brings toughness and reliable corner-three shooting. He will earn $11 million in the 2023-24 season and has a $11.5 million player option for the next season.
