The PJ Tucker trade is reportedly one step closer to happening.

NBA insider Chris Haynes It was reported Thursday that the Los Angeles Clippers had given Tucker’s agent, Andre Buck, permission to talk to other teams about a trade. Tucker is away from the team and Haynes stated that “both parties continue to work together” to facilitate a potential move.

Los Angeles acquired Tucker early last season as part of the trade that sent James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers.

His absence from the team is nothing new, as the Clippers temporarily suspended the forward from the team in February last season. NBA also fine Tucker was given $75,000 because he had publicly expressed his desire to be traded.

The experienced player rejoined the Clippers at the end of the same month and played in 28 games.

However, both parties mutually agreed that he would not be in the team to start the 2024-25 season.

“PJ is a professional who has accomplished a lot in his career, and there is still so much he wants to accomplish,” Clippers said. expression earlier this month. “We will continue to work with PJ and his agent to find the best situation for him moving forward.”

Tucker exercised the $11.5 million player option in his contract for the 2024-25 season. This is the final season of his current contract, so any team that trades for him will likely view him as a rental who could provide veteran leadership in the playoffs.

The 39-year-old player was selected in the second round of the 2006 NBA draft and played for the Toronto Raptors, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers and Clippers throughout his career.

He has never been an offensive option, as evidenced by his career average of 6.6 points per game, but when he is at his best he provides physical defense, the ability to contribute rebounds and shoot outside shots.

It looks like that skill set will be on display for a team other than the Clippers this season.