The trade market has been closed this season, but the Clippers failed to send P.J. Tucker away because they didn't want to give up the draft pick, which led to the trade falling through. Although Tucker has repeatedly expressed his desire to leave and requested a trade, the Clippers are not planning to buy out his contract, so he will remain with the team until the end of the season.
Ahead of the trade deadline, Tucker said, "I'm eager to go where I need me, where I am welcomed, where I can play my full potential." While I'm not sure what the future holds, I'll pray that I'll be given the opportunity to leave. Whether it's through a buyout or a trade, I want to be able to join another team, a place where I can get a chance to play. ”
In addition, according to Clippers reporter Law Murray, the Clippers did not complete any trades at the trade deadline, retaining all 18 players. Beyond the hard salary cap, the Clippers are looking for reinforcements in the buyout market and can only consider players whose original contracts are below the mid-level ($12.5 million). This also means that the Clippers cannot sign players such as Dinwiddie, Johar, Lowry, Fournier, Bertans, etc.
The reason why the Clippers can't sign these players is simple: their total salary has exceeded the league's tax line. At present, there are 7 teams with total salaries that exceed the top tycoon tax line (1$734.6 billion), they are: Nuggets, Heat, Warriors, Clippers, Suns, Bucks, Celtics.
The Clippers were interested in signing PJ Washington, but in the end he opted to join the Mavericks, alongside Doncic and Irving. The Mavericks traded Gwee, Curry Jr. and a 2027 first-round pick for the Hornets' PJ Washington, as well as two additional second-round picks. This leaves the Mavericks with the only first-round pick available for trade for the next seven years, and apparently the Clippers can't afford that high price!
This season, Washington has played 44 games with the Hornets, averaging 29 minutes per game2 minutes, an average of 136 points, 53 rebounds, 22 assists, 09 steals and 07 blocks, the percentage of which is respectively. 4% and 713%。The Mavericks managed to acquire Gwee and Curry Jr., plus a first-round pick protected by the top two picks, and the deal was deemed worth the money.
As for the situation with the Clippers and Tucker. With Tucker remaining a season and a half on his contract, the Clippers are reluctant to buy him out so as not to benefit their rivals for nothing. It is reported that the Clippers will try to trade Tucker again this offseason. However, the reality is embarrassing, the shoe king has not played in more than two months, and Tucker's last appearance dates back to November 28, 2023.
The Clippers have played in 12 games so far this season, with Tucker averaging 14 minutes per game4 minutes. During these times, he contributed 12 points, 24 rebounds, 07 assists, 05 steals and 01 cap. He shot 286% and 27 percent from three-point range3%。Harden has been trying to convince Tucker to stay: "He has the ability to change the course of the game. If he stays with the team and becomes part of the rotation, it will bring leadership to the team. ”
When the playoffs come, will the Clippers let Tucker defend Durant? It will largely depend on whether Tucker has the opportunity to play in the second half of the season. If he's been left on the bench during the regular season and suddenly gets on the court in the playoffs, it might be difficult for him to make a difference. As a result, the Clippers' equipment manager breathed a sigh of relief that they didn't have to dispose of Tucker's inventory of more than 250 pairs of sneakers.
One final question: Do you think the Clippers chose to keep Tucker, and do you think that was the right decision?