P.J. Tucker Traded to Utah Jazz Following Short Tenure with Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers have finalized a trade sending forward P.J. Tucker, along with center Mo Bamba and a future second-round pick, to the Utah Jazz in exchange for forward Drew Eubanks and guard Patty Mills. This transaction marks the end of Tucker's time with the Clippers, a period that has not seen him take to the court this season.
Prior to the current season, the Clippers indicated that Tucker would not be part of their active roster. In an official statement released on October 6, the team acknowledged Tucker's accomplishments in his career and noted their commitment to collaboratively finding the best situation for him moving forward. Tucker's contract includes an $11.5 million player option for this season, after which he is set to become a free agent. The Clippers ultimately opted for a trade rather than a buyout, enabling them to lighten their financial commitments slightly, as they are now positioned $4.1 million below the tax threshold and have generated a $6.5 million trade exception.
Tucker's time with the Clippers felt increasingly tentative following his minimal contributions last season, where he was acquired as part of the deal involving James Harden. In 28 games played for the team, he averaged 1.6 points and 2.5 rebounds in 15 minutes of play, with a shooting rate of 36.7 percent from three-point range. Given his age and current role, Tucker's salary appears steep, especially as he transitions to a Jazz team currently struggling, holding the worst record in the Western Conference. A buyout seems plausible as both parties seek to navigate this transition, although the Jazz may prefer to retain Tucker's expiring contract to maintain cap flexibility for the 2025-26 season.








