Los Angeles Clippers forward P.J. Tucker did not begin the 2024-25 season with the actual team. Instead, Tucker is away from the team, and his agency was reportedly granted permission to facilitate a trade with the hope that he can get moved to a team that can contribute to winning, according to Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes.
Sources: Los Angeles Clippers granted permission for PJ Tucker’s agent Andre Buck to speak with other teams to facilitate working on a trade. Both sides continue working together while the veteran remains away from the team waiting for an opportunity to contribute to winning. pic.twitter.com/RUqXeOgOLE
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 24, 2024
The Miami Heat, reportedly, are one of those teams that have held “trade conversations” for the disgruntled 39-year-old, as well as a number of other contenders, according to Kelly Iko and Law Murray of The Athletic.
A number of contenders — including the 76ers, Heat, Bucks and Suns — have held trade conversations with P.J. Tucker’s representation, sources told myself and @LawMurrayTheNU. The 14-year veteran remains away from the team, hopeful for a solution.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) October 25, 2024
Tucker is in the last year of his three-year deal, currently on the books for $11.5 million. He was traded alongside James Harden at the start of last season in the Harden-Clippers blockbuster, playing in just 31 games, his lowest since his rookie season in 2006-07. He totaled 52 points, 85 rebounds, 16 assists, 16 steals and seven blocks on 36.0 percent shooting and 37.1 percent (13-of-35) from 3-point range.
Tucker spent the 2021-22 season with the Miami Heat, where he had one of the most productive seasons of his career. He averaged 7.6 points and 5.5 rebounds in 27.9 minutes per night, shooting 48.4 percent from the floor and a career-high 41.5 percent from 3-point range. He was one of their most valuable players throughout that season, though the Heat started playing 4 v. 5 on offense toward the latter stretch of the season with teams neglecting Tucker’s presence.
Miami is right up near the second apron and isn’t able to take back more salary than it trades away because it’s over the first apron, significantly limiting the avenues it could to explore a trade. Of course, it has been known to do its due diligence with the majority of players–especially those it previously had–even if it doesn’t re-acquire them.
How do you think this situation plays out for Tucker? Let us know in the comments!
***
To check out our other content, click here.
Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Twitter/X here!
Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Instagram here!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel here!
Been there done that. I like PJ as I like Dragic. Unfortunately, both are well past their time. Heat should be looking for younger players to re-tool not older ones looking to re-tire.