As they formally transfer on from the Paul George period, the Los Angeles Clippers are able to make one other roster modification.
Regulation Murray of The Athletic reported Tuesday that the Clippers at the moment are anticipated to half methods with veteran ahead P.J. Tucker. Both a commerce or a waive-and-stretch state of affairs is feasible with regard to Tucker, Murray provides.
Tucker, a former NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021, arrived in L.A. as part of the James Harden commerce with the Philadelphia 76ers final November. Whereas Tucker has had loads of utility all through his profession as a rugged 3-and-D position participant, it’s clear that he was only a tax for the Clippers in buying Harden. Tucker solely made 30 appearances for the Clippers all yr (common season and playoffs) and grew very annoyed with the group after he was faraway from the rotation midseason. He even tried to drive a commerce at one level and was eventually sent home by the Clippers.
Although Tucker did later return to obtain some spot minutes within the Clippers’ first-round loss to the Dallas Mavericks (and hit 36.7 % of his threes on the yr as a complete), it’s clear he doesn’t have a lot left to supply. At 39 years outdated, Tucker’s dismal Clippers averages final yr of 1.6 factors and a pair of.5 rebounds per recreation counsel that his time within the NBA is shortly evaporating.
Tucker just lately pulled a no brainer transfer and picked up his $11.5 million participant choice for subsequent season. However since that can be the ultimate yr of Tucker’s contract, he now turns into a lot simpler for the Clippers to chop ties with. With the Clippers also adding more veterans to their frontcourt in recent days, the stage is ready for Tucker’s inevitable exit.