Clippers, P.J. Tucker Explore Trade, Buyout Options

The Los Angeles Clippers and veteran forward P.J. Tucker have mutually decided that he will be away from the team while they work on finding a more suitable situation for him. Tucker, who is in the final year of his $11.5 million contract after being traded from the Philadelphia 76ers as part of the James Harden deal, has been fined $75,000 for publicly requesting a trade. He played sparingly for the Clippers, averaging 1.6 points in 28 games, and the team is exploring trade options to either allow him to join a contender or be bought out to become a free agent. Known for his defensive prowess, Tucker remains a valuable asset for a contending team despite limited playtime and advancing age. No deal has been finalized yet, but the Clippers believe a trade could provide Tucker with more playing opportunities and recoup some assets for the team.