Clippers Rumors: P.J. Tucker Contract Buyout Not Considered Ahead of NBA Playoff Push

Tyler Conway@@jtylerconwayFeatured Columnist IVFebruary 14, 2024

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The Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly not planning to buy out the contract of disgruntled forward P.J. Tucker despite failing to find a trade partner before last week’s deadline.

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported Tucker’s $11.5 million player option for 2024-25 presents an issue in buyout talks. Instead, Tucker will return to the Clippers after the All-Star break with hopes of rejoining their rotation.

Shams Charania @ShamsCharaniaDevelopment: The Clippers sent home two players – Bones Hyland and PJ Tucker – from road trip vs. Warriors tonight, sources say. Both are expected to rejoin the team after the All-Star break. https://t.co/YkhZiWm026

Tucker has not appeared in a game since Nov. 27 despite being healthy. The 38-year-old did not score a single point in his final six appearances for the Clippers before the benching but has nonetheless expressed frustration at his lack of playing time.

“I feel like I still got a lot to contribute to a team to be able to win, whether that’s here or somewhere else,” Tucker told Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints in December. “I know myself, my worth. I know what I bring. I know what I’ve brought. I know what I can continue to bring. And with that, I want to be able to go to a good team that I can be able to help that.”

The Clippers essentially ignored Tucker’s complaints and have been one of the best teams in basketball over the last couple of months. They head into Wednesday’s game against the Golden State Warriors just two games out of first place in the Western Conference.

Tucker’s combination of defensive grit and vocal leadership has not been needed on a veteran-laden team led by Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and James Harden.

It remains to be seen whether Tucker will find his way back into the rotation, but the Clippers could use some heft at the 4 spot. Leonard is currently dealing with a left adductor strain, and his laundry list of recent injury issues will have the Clippers proceeding with caution.

Using Tucker in a limited-minutes role could wind up lessening the load on Leonard down the stretch.