NBA trade rumors: Clippers allow PJ Tucker’s agent to talk to teams | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

A PJ Tucker trade is reportedly one step closer.

NBA insider Chris Haynes reported Thursday that the Los Angeles Clippers had allowed Tucker’s agent, Andre Buck, to talk to other teams about a trade. Tucker is away from the team and Haynes noted that “both parties continue to work together” to potentially facilitate a move.

Los Angeles acquired Tucker early last season as part of the trade that sent James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers.

His absence from the team is nothing new, as the Clippers temporarily dismissed the forward from the team in February of last season. The NBA also fined Tucker $75,000 for publicly expressing a desire to be traded.

The veteran rejoined the Clippers later that same month, ultimately playing in 28 games.

However, both sides agreed that he would not be with the team to start the 2024-2025 season.

“PJ is a professional who has accomplished a lot in his career and he wants to achieve even more,” the Clippers said in a statement earlier this month. “We will continue to work with PJ and his representative to find the best situation for him moving forward.”

Tucker exercised the $11.5 million player option on his contract for the 2024-2025 season. It’s the final season of his current contract, so any team trading for him will likely view him as a loanee who can provide veteran leadership in pursuit of a playoff spot.

The 39-year-old was a second-round pick in the 2006 NBA draft and played for the Toronto Raptors, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers and Clippers throughout his career.

He has never been an offensive option, as evidenced by his career average of 6.6 points per game, but he provides physical defense, the ability to contribute at the plate and shoot outside when he is playing at his best.

It appears those skills will be on display this season for a team outside of the Clippers.