The Clippers announced Sunday that Tucker will not be with the team moving forward, Joey Linn of SI.com reports.
The Clippers are expected to officially part ways with Tucker soon, potentially by finding a club to buy out his contract. The 39-year-old made 28 regular-season appearances (seven starts) for the Clippers last season, during which he averaged 1.6 points and 2.5 rebounds across 15.0 minutes. While Tucker may not be able to contribute much on the floor at this point in his career, his veteran presence and playoff leadership could potentially make him a viable target for a contending team.
Tucker said Friday that he will exercise his $11.54 million player option to remain with the Clippers for the 2024-25 season, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.
Acquired from Philadelphia in October as part of the deal that sent James Harden to Los Angeles, Tucker largely struggled to find a role with the Clippers. He made 28 appearances (seven starts) for Los Angeles, averaging 1.6 points and 2.5 rebounds in 15.0 minutes. He had re-emerged as a rotation player at the tail end of the Clippers' first-round playoff series loss to the Mavericks, though LA was without Kawhi Leonard (knee) for both of those contests. Now heading into his age-39 campaign in 2024-25, Tucker appears unlikely to see steady playing time in what will be his first full season with the Clippers.
Tucker will move into the starting lineup for Friday's Game 6 versus Dallas, ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk reports.
The Clippers are opting for more of a defensive presence as they are facing an elimination game. Amir Coffey will head to the bench with this move.
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Clippers' P.J. Tucker: Back to bench
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Tucker won't start Game 1 of the opening-round series against the Mavericks on Sunday, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.
Tucker started six straight games to end the regular season, averaging only 2.2 points and 2.3 rebounds during that stretch. Kawhi Leonard (knee) remains sidelined, but Amir Coffey will take Leonard's place and be joined by Paul George, James Harden, Terance Mann and Ivica Zubac.
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Clippers' P.J. Tucker: Starting against Phoenix
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Tucker will start Wednesday's game against the Suns, Joey Linn of SI.com reports.
Tucker will enter the first unit with the Clippers down three of their usual starters. In seven starts this season, Tucker is averaging 2.3 points and 3.4 rebounds.
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Clippers' P.J. Tucker: Retreats to bench
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Tucker isn't in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game versus the Suns, Joey Linn of SI.com reports.
Tucker will be replaced by Norman Powell in the starting lineup Tuesday. Tucker is averaging 1.2 points and 2.2 rebounds in 13.0 minutes across his last 10 appearances coming off the bench.
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Clippers' P.J. Tucker: Puts up donut Sunday
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Tucker contributed zero points (0-1 FG, 0-1 3Pt), one rebound and one assist over 14 minutes during Sunday's 120-118 win over the Cavaliers.
Tucker has been in the Clippers' starting lineup for the last three games due to Kawhi Leonard (knee) being sidelined. Tucker has failed to score in two of those three starts and has played sub-20 minutes in all three outings. He is a non-factor on offense outside of the occasional three-point attempt, and his main contributions come on the defensive end of the floor.
Tucker will start Thursday's game against Denver, ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk reports.
Kawhi Leonard (knee) is out for a second straight game, but Tucker will replace Norman Powell with the Clippers looking to deploy more defense and rebounding.
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Clippers' P.J. Tucker: Considered questionable
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Tucker (calf) is questionable for Monday's game against the Pacers, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.
Tucker is dealing with calf soreness and was sidelined for Sunday's loss to Philadelphia. If he misses a second straight contest, Brandon Boston and Mason Plumlee could see a few extra minutes.
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Clippers' P.J. Tucker: Downgraded to out
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Tucker (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the 76ers, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.
Tucker was listed as questionable for Sunday's game after exiting Friday's 125-117 win over the Trail Blazers with right calf soreness. His absence versus Philadelphia could open up more reserve minutes in the frontcourt for Daniel Theis and Mason Plumlee.
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Clippers' P.J. Tucker: Deemed questionable for Sunday
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Tucker (calf) is questionable to play Sunday against the 76ers, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.
Tucker exited Friday's win over the Trail Blazers with right calf soreness, and it remains to be seen if the veteran will be able to have a quick turnaround. His availability wouldn't affect many fantasy decisions, however, as he often plays a minor role off the bench for the Clippers.
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Clippers' P.J. Tucker: Shut down with calf injury
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Tucker won't return to Friday's game against Portland due to right calf soreness, Law Murray of The Athletic reports. He recorded three points (1-2 FG, 1-1 3Pt), two rebounds and one assist in eight minutes before exiting.
Tucker will likely be re-evaluated Saturday as the Clippers look to get a sense of his availability for their next game Sunday versus the 76ers. After being largely left out of the rotation since being acquired from Philadelphia in October, Tucker was made his fourth straight appearance Friday before he left the game early.
Tucker will come off the bench for Tuesday's game against Minnesota.
This was the expectation with both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard back in action after one-game absences. Tucker may see only a handful of minutes Tuesday as a result.
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Clippers' P.J. Tucker: Will start Sunday
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Tucker will start Sunday's game against the Bucks, Shane Young of Forbes.com reports.
Tucker hasn't been a part of the Clippers' rotation to start March, and he's appeared in only three games since Thanksgiving, but he'll draw a start Sunday versus one of his former teams, as Kawhi Leonard (groin) and Paul George (knee) have been ruled out for the second night of a back-to-back set. Despite being a starter, it wouldn't be surprising to see Tucker's minutes limited, so he doesn't have immense fantasy value despite the promotion.
