NBA Trade Rumors: Clippers Grant P.j. Tucker’s Agent Permission to Speak to Teams

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVOctober 24, 2024

Tyler Ross/NBAE via Getty Images

A P.J. Tucker trade is reportedly one step closer to happening.

NBA insider Chris Haynes reported Thursday that the Los Angeles Clippers gave Tucker’s agent, Andre Buck, permission to speak to other teams regarding a trade. Tucker is away from the team, and Haynes noted “both sides continue working together” to potentially facilitate a move.

Los Angeles acquired Tucker early last season as part of the trade that sent James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Him being away from the team is nothing new, as the Clippers temporarily sent the forward away from the team in February last season. The NBA also fined Tucker $75,000 because he publicly expressed a desire to be traded.

The veteran did rejoin the Clippers later that same month and ended up appearing in 28 games.

However, both sides mutually agreed he wouldn’t be with the team to start the 2024-25 campaign.

“P.J. is a pro who has achieved a lot in his career and there’s more he wants to accomplish,” the Clippers said in a statement earlier this month. “We will continue working with P.J. and his representative to find the best situation for him moving forward.”

Tucker exercised the $11.5 million player option on his contract for the 2024-25 campaign. It is the final season on his current deal, so any team trading for him will likely view him as a rental who could provide veteran leadership in pursuit of a playoff spot.

The 39-year-old was a second-round pick in the 2006 NBA draft and has played for the Toronto Raptors, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers and Clippers throughout his career.

He has never been a go-to offensive option as evidenced by his career average of 6.6 points per game, but he provides physical defense, the ability to contribute on the boards and outside shooting when playing at his best.

It just seems like that skill set will be displayed for a team outside of the Clippers this season.