Will Former 76ers Trade Piece Land Buyout After Recent Separation?

After appearing in just three games for the Philadelphia 76ers this season, PJ Tucker was shocked to be added to the James Harden blockbuster trade, which involved the Los Angeles Clippers.

Despite the initial shock, Tucker embraced the opportunity to go out West and compete for the Clippers after spending the last season as a full-time starter in Philadelphia. Tucker’s role in LA diminished slightly at first, as he came off the bench with his minutes cut in half.

Eventually, he lost his role entirely and hasn’t touched the floor since LA’s nine-point loss against the Denver Nuggets on November 27.

For months, Tucker was viewed as a possible trade candidate for the Clippers. At this point, the deadline has passed, and Tucker remains a member of the Clippers’ roster. It’s no secret the veteran forward wants to play, contributing to a playoff-contending roster. While the Clippers fit the description, they don’t have minutes in their rotation for Tucker at this time.

As there was little trade traction surrounding Tucker, some teams were anticipating a potential buyout. Over time, it was becoming clear that Tucker and the Clippers weren’t heading in that direction.

Could this week’s events change that? According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, a buyout “has not gained traction.”

At this point, Tucker remains frustrated out in LA. He reached a boiling point, which led the Clippers to send him home as they hit the road for a quick stop in Golden State before the NBA’s All-Star break. Following the one-week break, Tucker is expected to re-join the Clippers and hopes to eventually gain a role once again.

A buyout for Tucker seems far-fetched at this point, but you can never say never when it comes to the NBA. In the event Tucker does reach a buyout, he would likely garner interest from a handful of contenders. It wouldn’t come as a shock if the Sixers considered a possible reunion after they failed to find a frontcourt acquisition last week.

Tucker will be a name to keep an eye on as the free agency market grows in the post-trade-deadline days, but the Clippers don’t seem to be close to making that happen right about now.