The NBA announced that Los Angeles Clippers forward P.J. Tucker has been fined $75,000, the highest fine in the NBA this season, for demanding public property rights.
Tucker wants to be traded on February 5th, which is against league policy.
The 38-year-old NBA veteran isn’t satisfied with the amount of playing time he’s gotten on a Clippers team this season.
He was acquired by Los Angeles in a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers for James Harden, but has not played since November 27 after appearing in 12 games.
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PJ Tucker of the Los Angeles Clippers watches from the bench during the second quarter of a game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on February 5, 2024. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
“I want to be in a place where I’m needed and wanted and can do all that,” Tucker told Andscape’s Mark Spears before the NBA trade deadline. “I don’t know what will happen, but I’m being cautious. Even if I get bought, I can choose where I go and where I can play, but I would like to go somewhere else.”
The deadline was February 8th, and Tucker remained on the Clippers’ roster. I posted it on Instagram after the deadline.
“This is all a joke,” he wrote on his Instagram Story.
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Despite his obvious dissatisfaction, Bleacher Report reported that Tucker has no intention of requesting a buyout from the Clippers. According to a reporter from The Athletic, the team’s front office believes he could still be useful in the playoffs.
This isn’t the first time Tucker has expressed a desire to play more. He told The Athletic that he is trying to turn pro “while personally aiming for a better situation for myself.”
Tucker said he would talk to the Clippers’ coaches if he is not traded, adding, “We’ll just have to make a decision from there.”
P.J. Tucker of the LA Clippers arrives at the arena before a game against the Miami Heat at Caseya Center on February 4, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Isaac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
Tucker has said in the past that he believes he can still contribute to the team.
“I know myself, I know my worth. I know what I bring to the table,” he told ClutchPoints. “I know what I brought, I know what I can continue to bring, and I want to take advantage of that and go to a good team where I can help it.” Masu.”
Tucker said he understood he didn’t have a role with the Clippers at the time, “obviously.” [playing zero minutes is] It’s not what I want to do right now at this stage in my career.”
Tucker has bounced around the NBA throughout his 13 years in the league. He is most notably the 2021 NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks. Tucker also spent five seasons with the Phoenix Suns and four seasons with the Houston Rockets. He also played for the 76ers, Miami Heat, and Toronto Raptors.
Tucker is known for his ability to hit 3-point shots while playing strong defense. He has averaged 6.7 points per game over his career while shooting 36.5% from the field.
PJ Tucker of the LA Clippers takes a shot before a game at Crypto.com Arena on December 14, 2023 in Los Angeles. (Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Tucker has an $11.5 million player option on his contract for next season.
