Clippers Expected To Keep PJ Tucker Into Camp, Season

August 16, 2024

The Los Angeles Clippers are preparing as if disgruntled forward P.J. Tucker will remain on the roster when training camp begins in a little more than a month, per Law Murray of The Athletic.

Tucker rode the bench for much of last season after coming over in the James Harden trade with the Philadelphia 76ers — with Tucker eventually requesting a trade of his own.

“Tucker opted into the final year of his contract and though the Clippers explored trading him, roster spots around the league are accounted for, making a deal unlikely before training camp,” Murray wrote.

In other words, Tucker is likely stuck with the Clippers, and vice-versa. It will be interesting to see if he will have a role this year, given that former starter Paul George is now with the Sixers. Probably not, but hey, this is the NBA, and you just never know.

On the bright side for Tucker and the Clips, his $11.54 million contract is expiring, making him a strong candidate to be moved before the February trade deadline. It’s just that, right now, no one wants to take on that deal.

Anyway, ESPN writer Kevin Pelton has given the Clippers a “D” grade for their offseason.

“A player coming off an All-Star season hadn’t changed teams in free agency since the Clippers signed Kawhi Leonard during the summer of 2019,” Pelton wrote. “George changed that when he decided to leave the Clippers this summer for Philadelphia. Despite liking most of the contracts the Clippers did sign, getting nothing but financial flexibility from George’s departure dooms their grade.”

At least Los Angeles did seem to get better defensively — on paper, anyway.

“Having re-signed Harden for $70 million over two years, the Clippers are counting on him to lead the offense alongside new defensive-minded role players: Nicolas Batum, Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr.,” Pelton added. “If Leonard misses time again, the Clippers could struggle on offense, and they don’t control their first-round picks until 2030.”