What’s the Latest on Former 76ers Forward PJ Tucker?
When the Philadelphia 76ers concluded the James Harden saga by trading him to the Los Angeles Clippers on the final day of October, they sent the ten-time All-Star guard packing alongside the veteran forward, PJ Tucker.
After bringing in Tucker on a three-year deal, the Sixers’ partnership with the veteran was short-lived, as he appeared in just 78 regular season games since signing with the Sixers two summers ago.
Going from a full-time starter in Philadelphia to a reserve in LA, Tucker was facing a notable adjustment. His minutes took a dip as he went from averaging over 20 minutes per game with the Sixers to seeing the court for under 15 minutes per game in LA.
After making 12 appearances through his first stretch with the Clippers, Tucker has found himself removed from the rotation entirely. His last appearance came on November 27, when Tucker picked up a six-minute shift against the Denver Nuggets.
What’s Next for Tucker?
The NBA trade deadline is officially less than a month away. You could consider Tucker a possible trade candidate out of LA, but his contract makes it difficult for a contender to consider his services at this point in his career.
At age 38, Tucker is making a little over $11 million this season. He has a player option attached to his deal, which would allow him to make $11.5 million next season.
Based on reporting from Matt Moore, a Senior NBA Writer at the Action Network, Tucker “would prefer a new home where he can contribute.”
There might be a market for Tucker, but the situation is reportedly complicated for multiple reasons. For starters, the Clippers don’t want to help strengthen a direct title competitor by shipping them Tucker. While the veteran hasn’t been useful on the court for LA, many coaches and players have highlighted Tucker’s impact enough to suggest that the forward still holds value for teams that expect to make a playoff run.
As for the teams that might be interested in Tucker, they likely only want him if he’s bought out. Moore links the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and the Sixers to Tucker, labeling them as “interested teams” but noting that they see Tucker as a buyout candidate at this stage.
Tucker’s time in Philly wasn’t exactly celebrated by the masses. During his first and only full-season run, Tucker averaged just four points and four rebounds in 75 games. While he was a consistent three-point shooter, averaging 39 percent from deep, he attempted just 1.9 shots from three per game.
For what it’s worth, Tucker was a highly respected veteran vocal presence in the locker room. And although he played in just three games for Nick Nurse while on the 76ers, the head coach was very fond of the veteran forward and praised him shortly after he was traded away.
There isn’t a ton of smoke surrounding a potential Tucker-Sixers reunion this season, but it’s something worth keeping an eye on if the Clippers take the buyout route.
