October 29, 2023, marked the final game PJ Tucker suited up for the Philadelphia 76ers. After checking in for a 19-minute shift against the Portland Trail Blazers, Tucker found out two days later that he was headed out West to join the Los Angeles Clippers.
The veteran forward was so eager to get started that he flew out West on the day of the trade and participated in the Clippers’ November 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. At first, Tucker had a role with the Clippers, and he appeared in his first 12 games with the team, averaging 14 minutes off the bench.
Although Tucker seemed excited about a fresh start, he made it clear that he was caught by surprise by the fact that he was caught in the crossfire of the James Harden saga. Months later, as Tucker remains glued to LA’s bench, he once again made it clear that he didn’t ask to be there.
"I feel like I shouldn't have to go through this," Tucker said recently, according to Clutch Points. "I didn't ask to be here. I didn't ask for and I didn't demand a trade to be here."
Tucker had hoped to find some resolution at the NBA trade deadline. While there was smoke surrounding the veteran’s name, the Clippers didn’t generate any offers worth making. Tucker remains in LA, and it seems that a buyout is not on the horizon.
Suddenly, the former Sixers full-time starter is a consistent healthy scratch, remaining off the court since late November.
As frustration continues to boil over, Tucker landed in some hot water this week as the NBA announced he would net a significant fine for making “public comments” where he was “expressing a desire to be traded to another team.”
The fine was issued just one day after the Clippers sent Tucker away from the team as they entered their final matchup before the NBA All-Star break.
Right now, the expectation is that Tucker will return to the Clippers after the league takes a week off. As tension continues to build out in LA, it will be interesting to see how the situation plays out, as Tucker clearly wants a change of scenery.
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