Bucks Zone

"They didn't do I thought they should do" - P.J. Tucker reveals reason why he left the Bucks

The ended partnership of both P.J. Tucker and the Bucks left a sour taste in the side of the veteran.

Matthew Dugandzic

© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

In December, it was reported that the Milwaukee Bucks have been monitoring the availability of one of the prominent pieces of their 2021 championship puzzle in P.J. Tucker.

Tucker, 38, is currently standing in an embattled spot in the L.A. Clippers, wherein he has yet to play a single game since November 28th. P.J. has expressed his intent for a change of scenery, and the Clippers are currently finding ways to complete his wishes amid the difficulties of his current contract.

The memory of Tucker around the Bucks has always been special and full of appreciation. With the team, 2021 served as the glorious year of his tremendous career, highlighted by humble beginnings. With his hustle, heart, and leadership, he also became an instant and beloved fan favorite around Milwaukee, and the city continues to hold such adoration for him up until now despite his short stay in the franchise.

While it will always be love, P.J. still has a little and undeniable sense of animosity towards the Bucks, which can be traced to the offseason following their championship season.

Looking back at P.J.’s mysterious exit from the Bucks

Shortly after he won his championship alongside the Bucks, Tucker immediately hit the 2021 market as a free agent.

Considering their successful season, the Bucks were pegged as favorites to retain Tucker. But in the end, the veteran went on to join one of the team's Conference nemeses, the Miami Heat, via a two-year deal.

The decision made by P.J. left a lot of questions around Milwaukee fans, who felt excruciating pain from seeing him go away. As such, in his appearance on the Club 520 Podcast, he went on to fully reveal the exact reason he left.

“Milwaukee, they didn't do I thought they should do. It was like they just wanted to match. They're like, ‘Get an offer, and we'll match whoever offers you,’ and I was like, ‘You want better? Imma leave.’ I'm gonna go to whoever offers me, and you can keep your match.”

Are the Bucks truly willing to ignite a Tucker reunion?

Based on this reasoning made by Tucker, it is now finally clear why he ultimately cut his ties with Milwaukee. What he received from the Heat that year was a two-year deal worth $14.4 million.

It was widely believed that the Bucks were hesitant to re-sign him that offseason as it would only hand them massive luxury tax implications. But considering their repeated interest in Tucker after over two years, will they be glad to absorb the remaining $22 million in his contract?

Only time can tell what would unfold about their rumored regard once again for Tucker. But in the end, it would always be a delight to potentially gain his reliable presence again, which proved to be vital in the franchise’s previous golden run.

Report: Bucks keeping an eye, interest on P.J. Tucker as veteran seeks playing time

Published
Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.