February 16th 2024.
P.J. Tucker, a forward for the Los Angeles Clippers, recently made a public request to be traded to another team. As a result, he was slapped with a hefty fine by the NBA. In an official statement, the NBA announced that Tucker had been fined $75,000 for his comments made during the week of February 5th, where he expressed his desire to play for a different team. This news was shared by the NBA Communications on February 15, 2024.
The 38-year-old player's frustration had been building up, which led to him being sent home during a recent Clippers road trip. According to sources, Tucker was dissatisfied with his lack of playing time and felt unappreciated by the team. It all came to a head last week when he spoke to Andscape journalist Marc J. Spears just before the league's trade deadline.
"I want to be somewhere where I feel needed, wanted, and can contribute fully. I don't know what the future holds, but I'm hopeful and crossing my fingers to either get bought out and choose my next team or to be traded to a new team," Tucker stated in an interview with Spears on February 8, 2024.
Tucker joined the Clippers in a multi-team trade involving the Philadelphia 76ers and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Halloween. However, he hasn't played for the Clippers since November 27th. According to sources, Tucker had agreed to sit on the bench until he was traded, but the deadline passed without any movement.
"It was a mutual agreement that I would sit out until they found a trade for me. But unfortunately, that didn't happen before the deadline. However, I still tried to maintain a professional attitude, but at the end of the day, I have to advocate for myself. Who else will do it for me? But I understand the situation, and I will do my best to handle it," Tucker shared with The Athletic.
After the All-Star break this weekend, Tucker is expected to return to the team. The Clippers' next game is scheduled for February 22nd. In related news, it was also reported that Tucker's teammate, Bones Hyland, was also sent home due to similar circumstances. It remains to be seen how the Clippers will handle this situation and if Tucker's wish to play for a different team will be granted.
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