P.J. Tucker’s disastrous Clippers tenure is now costing him money.
The NBA announced Thursday that the veteran forward was fined $75,000 for making a public trade demand.
Since James Harden was fined $100,000 for openly seeking a trade in August, this is the highest fine that any NBA player has ever received during the regular season.
In November, the Clippers acquired Tucker as part of the James Harden trade with the 76ers.
The Clippers did not move Tucker by the trade deadline of February 8 and it appears they have no intention of buying him out.
Just hours before the trade deadline, Tucker said to Marc Spears of Andscape, “I want to be somewhere where I’m needed, wanted, and can do it all.” “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,” the player said, unsure of what would happen.
Tucker has previously expressed his annoyance in public.
Tucker stated he was being professional while attempting to improve his circumstances to Law Murray of the Athletic in an article published on February 1.
“We’ll see what happens leading up to February 8 over the next two weeks,” he stated. “And then it’s just a matter of figuring it out.”
Whether it’s here or elsewhere, Tucker “feel[s] like I still got a lot to contribute to a team to be able to win,” he said to ClutchPoints in December. I am aware of my value. I am aware of my contributions. I’m aware of what I brought. I am aware of what value I can still add. Along with that, I hope to be able to visit a strong team and be able to assist them.
Tucker vented his aggravation with the situation when he wasn’t dealt before the deadline.
On his Instagram Story, Tucker wrote, “All this shit is a f—ing joke.”
The Athletic revealed on Wednesday that Tucker and Bones Hyland were not present for the Clippers’ road victory against the Warriors since they were sent home early from the trip.
Though this is just conjecture, it appears the Clippers are growing a little tired with Tucker.
For the upcoming season, Tucker has a player option worth $11.5 million.
He started 75 games and averaged more over 25 minutes per game while he was a member of the 76ers last season.
Before being taken out of the starting lineup, he participated in 12 games for the team. He hasn’t appeared on the field since November 27.