The Los Angeles Clippers are arguably the best team in the league right now.
They’ve won 26 of their last 32 games, which is the best record since December 1, so it’s more than clear that they don’t need to make many moves — if any — at the trade deadline.
With that in mind, veteran PF/C PJ Tucker hopes he gets an opportunity to play somewhere else.
The 38-year-old openly admitted that he would like to be traded or bought out, as he knows he’s not needed in Los Angeles and wants to go to a place where he can actually get on the court (via NBA Central).
“I want to be somewhere where I’m needed, wanted and can do it all. I don’t know what’s going to happen but I have my fingers crossed and I’m hoping to go somewhere else whether I get bought out and choose where I go or where I can play,” Tucker said.
PJ Tucker wants out of LA
“I want to be somewhere where I’m needed, wanted and can do it all. I don’t know what’s going to happen but I have my fingers crossed and I’m hoping to go somewhere else whether I get bought out and choose where I go or where I can play,”
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— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 8, 2024
The veteran big man has barely played since joining the Clippers, and while he’s clearly on the backend of his career, he could still be a solid contributor for a contending team.
Tucker could be valuable even on non-contenders by taking some young players under his wing, mentoring them, and teaching them the ropes of being an NBA player.
He’s a culture-setter, the kind of guy who leads by example, and an exceptional teammate.
Of course, he’s never been much of an offensive factor, and that’s out of the question at this point in his career.
Still, he’s a bruiser and a gritty and pesky defender who’s going to put his body on the line on every single possession, and you can never have too many guys like that on your team.
Hopefully, the Clippers will grant him his wish and set him free so he can enjoy the final days of his career.
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