PJ Tucker is officially part of the Los Angeles Clippers and unofficially not part of it. This is why multiple title contending teams – Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns – are shooting their shots to get the services of the undersized forward.
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Chris Haynes of ESPN reported that the Clippers are allowing Tucker and his agents to find a solution as he may no longer see minutes with them.
He is currently away from the team and did not play in their opening night match up against the Phoenix Suns.
The team showing interest on the 39-year-old forward are the Bucks with whom he won his first NBA title in 2021 together with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.
The three other teams vying for his signature are interestingly his former teams, too. Aside from the Suns, with whom he spent four seasons without a playoff appearance, there is also the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat, his last two teams.
“A number of contenders — including the 76ers, Heat, Bucks and Suns — have held trade conversations with P.J. Tucker’s representation, sources told myself and @LawMurrayTheNU,” the Athletic’s Kelly Iko wrote on Thursday.
“The 14-year veteran remains away from the team, hopeful for a solution.”
Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns’ chances of signing Tucker
Right now, both teams might have a hard time signing Tucker as they will need to open a roster spot for him. The salary cap is an issue, too.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo could use a reinforcement on the four spot so he could slide to the center position, just like how they did it in 2021.
As for the Suns, they need a bruiser and their new coach Mike Budenholzer is very familiar with Tucker having coached him to an NBA title in 2021.
They both appear attractive destinations, however, for Tucker who weeks ago declared that he wants to go somewhere where he is needed.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen but I have my fingers crossed and I’m hoping to go somewhere else, whether I get bought out and choose where I go or where I can play.”
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