James Harden Gets Honest About Frustrated Clippers Player

The LA Clippers did not trade P.J. Tucker

Despite his desire to be traded, LA Clippers veteran P.J. Tucker was not moved prior to Thursday's trade deadline. Tucker stated on the record several times that he is frustrated with his role on the Clippers, and hoped to be traded somewhere with a role for him, but with his contract situation and level of play this season, there was no suitor.

Tucker came to the Clippers as part of the James Harden trade, which made it three different teams he and Harden had played together on. The two have a close relationship, and when asked after Wednesday night's game about Tucker and the looming trade deadline, Harden said, "P.J. brings that vet leadership. Depending on what happens after [the trade deadline], if he's here, he needs to get locked in and be a part of this as far as getting in the rotation, because he's a game changer."

PJ Tucker is staying on the Clippers.

James Harden said last night that Tucker needs to get locked in as far as “getting in the rotation, because he’s a game changer.” pic.twitter.com/KqDjcfbrVU

— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) February 8, 2024

Tucker shared a statement on his Instagram story after the deadline passed, saying, "All this sh-t is a f--king joke."

The post was up for multiple hours before being deleted, and while there is no confirmation that it was related to the trade deadline, it was certainly interesting timing.

Not expected to seek a buyout, since he has an $11M player option for next season, Tucker is likely to remain with the Clippers despite his desire to be dealt prior to Thursday's deadline.

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