Former 76ers Player Won’t Make Raptors Debut in Philly

PJ Tucker's Raptors debut won't happen against the Sixers.

May 9, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward P.J. Tucker (17) argues a call with referee Josh Tiven in the first half during game five of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images | Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Ahead of their matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Toronto Raptors made some critical changes to their roster. One of the moves included adding PJ Tucker.

The former Sixers forward hasn’t competed since last season. He’s not slated to make his Raptors debut on Tuesday in South Philly, as the injury report suggests he’s not with the team.

Last year, Tucker appeared in 28 games with the Los Angeles Clippers. Once the Clippers decided he was not a part of the team’s rotation, Tucker was viewed as a possible trade candidate. He stuck with the Clippers throughout the remainder of the 2023-2024 season.

Oct 28, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) dribbles the ball past Philadelphia 76ers forward P.J. Tucker (17) in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

When the Clippers approached the start of the current season, the team announced that Tucker would be away as they searched for a way to resolve the situation. The veteran forward did not have any intentions of playing for the Clippers again.

Ahead of the trade deadline, Tucker was moved to the Utah Jazz alongside former Sixers center Mo Bamba. On the day of the deadline, Tucker believed he was headed to the Miami Heat. The Raptors ended up acquiring Tucker in a multi-team trade.

At this point, it’s unclear what’s next for Tucker. He doesn’t seem to be rushing to make a debut for the Raptors, who have a 16-37 record, placing them 13th in the Eastern Conference.

If there is a buyout scenario in play, Tucker would certainly search for a playoff-ready organization. So far, there hasn’t been any discussion about the 39-year-old landing a buyout. This summer, Tucker is slated to become a free agent for the first time since 2022, when he signed with the 76ers.

This year is the final season of the three-year, $33 million deal Tucker inked with Philadelphia.

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