P.J. Tucker, Clippers to Part Ways; PF to Be Away from Team While Seeking Resolution

The Los Angeles Clippers announced Sunday that veteran forward P.J. Tucker will be away from the team indefinitely.

The decision comes after an offseason of "ongoing conversations" regarding his future, according to a statement from the Clippers. Los Angeles also said it would continue to work to find a resolution for Tucker, likely in the form of a trade.

Tucker previously exercised his $11.54 million player option for the 2024-25 season.

The veteran forward was acquired by the Clippers in November as part of the James Harden trade with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Tucker subsequently made 12 appearances for the Clippers, averaging 1.2 points and 2.4 rebounds in 14.4 minutes per game, before falling out of the rotation entirely on Nov. 29.

He did not play for Ty Lue and the Clippers until Feb. 23.

Tucker told ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk in February that he was "actively trying to get traded," a comment that got the veteran fined $75,000 by the NBA.

The Clippers ended up keeping Tucker past the deadline, perhaps waiting to move him until his expiring contract and buyout candidacy made him a better trade option.

A trade seems like an ideal situation for both parties. The Clippers have no place in the rotation for Tucker and could able to recoup some assets in a deal. Meanwhile Tucker could have a better shot at playing as a depth option for another team's frontcourt.

Tucker, a second-round pick by the Toronto Raptors in the 2006 draft, has played for the Raptors, Clippers and Sixers as well as the Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks since joining the league.

He appeared in all 23 of the Bucks' playoff games in 2021, starting 19, to help Milwaukee to the title.

Tucker may not provide a significant scoring boost to whatever team he might land on, but he can help shore up their defense while providing a veteran presence for young talents on a new team.