NBA Fines Clippers’ P.J. Tucker $75K For Public Trade Demand

The NBA has imposed a $75,000 fine on P.J. Tucker for making public statements during the week of February 5th, expressing his desire to be traded from his current team.

ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk reported on February 6th that Tucker expressed his intentions to be traded from the Clippers. Despite his wishes, Tucker remained with Los Angeles past the trade deadline, which continued to cause him frustration, as Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints reported.

Tucker expressed his dissatisfaction with his situation, stating he didn’t feel it was fair to endure such circumstances, given he never requested to join the Clippers nor demanded a trade to the team.

“No, not necessarily because I feel like I shouldn’t have to go through this,” Tucker said when discussing his status with the team. “I didn’t ask to be here. I didn’t ask for, and I didn’t demand a trade to be here.”

Tucker’s move to Los Angeles resulted from the Philadelphia 76ers trading him as part of the James Harden deal in October, where he was essentially included to balance the salaries.

Despite being fit to play, Tucker has not participated in a game since November 27 and has been out of the Western Conference team’s playing rotation.

According to Zach Harper and Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Clippers have sent Tucker and Bones Hyland home from the team, with plans to reintegrate them after the All-Star break. The decision came after months of growing frustration from Tucker over his lack of playtime. This led to productive discussions between him and the Clippers about preparing for a possible return to the game rotation.

These developments suggest a buyout is unlikely for the 38-year-old forward as he and the Clippers look to move past the current season.

Despite the challenges, Tucker, known for his defensive prowess, rebounding ability, and three-point shooting, hopes for a positive change, particularly with the potential for a deep playoff run.