PJ Tucker, the 38-year-old forward, has been sidelined for almost two months since joining the Los Angeles Clippers in the James Harden trade.
Despite the Clippers being contenders, Tucker, averaging 1.2 points and 2.4 rebounds in limited minutes, seeks a more active role on a competitive team.
According to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, Tucker’s desire to contribute has him eyeing a potential move, with the Phoenix Suns emerging as a potential destination. Haynes stated, “PJ wants to play for a contending team, either with the Clippers or another team.”
The Suns, a team on Tucker’s radar, pose a challenge due to limited assets and salary constraints. However, Haynes envisions a scenario involving a trade and subsequent buyout, allowing Tucker to choose his next destination.
“He wants to help the team,” Hayne said. “He wants to help the team now, but the Clippers are in a position where the Clippers have a rotation that they feel comfortable using. And they’ve been playing really good basketball. And PJ has been a professional and he wants to play.
“There are teams out there. You’re thinking about the Phoenix Suns. That is a team that is on a radar. But the Suns don’t have the assets available, don’t have the salary available to make a trade like that. It would take possible PJ being trade somewhere else. Just throwing out scenario – PJ being traded somewhere else and then him reaching a buyout with that team and then him being able to pick his next destination.”
The Clippers, aware of Tucker’s value in the postseason, hope he remains patient, emphasizing his importance down the stretch. Despite this, Tucker’s competitive spirit and immediate desire to contribute could influence his decision.
“The Clippers are still hoping that PJ would just chill and he would understand that they’re going to need him down the stretch because I think they believe that PJ is going to be much more valuable for them come postseason time,” Haynes continued.
“But that is a long ways away and PJ is one of the most competitive players we have in this league. He wants to play now, he wants to help the team now… It is going to come down to how patient PJ is going to be.”
Tucker, in the second year of a three-year, $33 million contract, faces earning $11 million annually. His player option for the third year adds complexity to potential trade scenarios, making the situation one to watch as Tucker navigates his desire for immediate impact on a contending team.
