With less than three weeks left before the 2024-25 NBA season starts, the LA Clippers broke sudden news: they have agreed to mutually part ways with veteran role player PJ Tucker.
It’s not really that sudden, however, as the disconnect between the two parties started right away. The 39-year-old arrived in LA in November 2023 alongside James Harden via trade from the Philadelphia 76ers. While Harden expectedly continued to receive superstar usage, Tucker saw his minutes dwindle.
Coming in with career averages of 29.2 minutes per game, Tucker only got 14.4 minutes of action through his first 14 outings as a Clipper, which was then followed by 37 consecutive DNPs, spanning from November 30, 2023 to February 23, 2024. It was also well-documented that he really chose to step away from the team at that time.
Sadly, the “reset” didn’t do much. He appeared in 16 more regular season games at 15.5 minutes, putting up 2.0 points and 2.6 rebounds on 38.7% shooting. He was then benched through the first four games of their first-round playoff series with the Dallas Mavericks, where they got booted in six. He played two games, totalling 30 minutes, 11 points, and three boards.
Where to next?
Tucker opted into his $11.5 million player option this past off-season, but as it seemingly stands now, it was understandably just for insurance and he was already mentally checked out as a Clipper, most probably during the playoffs, perhaps even earlier.
The next destination will be an intriguing watch. Though the value is down from what it was a few seasons ago, considering he’s 39 (40 by May of 2025), there’s no denying that good ‘ol PJ still has the chops to be a role player – he’s very well-established as one of those hard-nosed guys that will get you the ball, do every bit of dirty work, and can defensively come in across multiple positions.
Majority of the top choices could be his former teams.
The Milwaukee Bucks could be one team to call. The front office may want to bring him back as a way to straighten out the low balling they did in 2021, right after he helped them win a championship, though at the same time, there may be hesitancy on Tucker’s end.
The Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, and Philadelphia 76ers could be in the mix as all are good fit for his services, as we’ve seen during his respective stints there. Philly may have the advantage out of all with Daryl Morey at the helm.
Tom Thibodeau and the New York Knicks may pick up the phone too, especially if they strike out on trying to snag Marcus Smart. Tucker and Thibs’ styles are a match, and the Knicks are seemingly in the hunt to stack up their roster of perimeter stoppers.
Other possible teams may include the Los Angeles Lakers (since they always inquire about a free agent), the Indiana Pacers due to their need of muscle, and the Memphis Grizzlies, who’s always up to add some attitude in their pool.
It should be interesting to anticipate. It could easily be any of the other contenders that wasn’t mentioned.
