The Los Angeles Clippers offseason has been a little strange so far but the team has done what it can to build a more well-rounded roster. Losing star Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency was a big loss but the organization rebounded fairly well. They brought in more depth around stars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, giving themselves potentially a better chance to contend in the loaded Western Conference.
Los Angeles was given an opportunity with George walking away and they have fully positioned themselves for next season.
More news: Paul George Felt Insulted by Clippers in Contract Negotiations
Los Angeles recently made a trade with the Utah Jazz to offload veteran point guard Russell Westbrook, landing the team guard Kris Dunn in the process. The team had been looking around the trade market for a landing spot for Westbrook and now with him gone, they can turn their attention elsewhere. According to insider Bobby Marks of ESPN, the Clippers now have locked themselves into looking to move veteran forward P.J. Tucker.
“The Clippers traded Russell Westbrook to Utah, and now the priority is finding veteran PJ Tucker a new home. Tucker is on an expiring $11.5 million contract. The Clippers also have a decision with Terance Mann. Mann is in the last year of his contract and eligible to sign a four-year, $81 million extension.”
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Tucker wasn’t happy with his role on the Clippers last season after coming over from the Philadelphia 76ers in a trade. He is 39 years old but can provide a team with plenty of veteran experience and guidance.
Due to his salary for the upcoming season, Los Angeles may have to attach some draft capital to get off his contract. Tucker is scheduled to make $11.5 million as Marks noted but being an expiring contract, it could be an intriguing option for some teams.
Last season, Tucker played in only 28 games with the Clippers, averaging 1.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game. He shot 36.7 percent from beyond the 3-point line, showing that he could still be of some value if given some minutes.
Tucker could be a solid bench option for a playoff team or a veteran leader for a young team that is rebuilding. It remains to be seen if the Clippers will be able to get off his salary for the upcoming season but if they can’t find a trade partner, Los Angeles could look to release him via the stretch provision.
Either way, it seems that Tucker has likely played his final game in a Clippers uniform.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
