Nothing lasts forever. NBA careers are no exception. Every career eventually comes to an end. Around the league, some players are having their last year or two of NBA basketball.
PJ Tucker of the Los Angeles Clippers is one of those players. He’s had a sterling career, but it’s ending. Tucker’s production and role with the Clippers has been in steady decline.
At his age, that’s typically a sign that a career is nearing its end. Apparently, Tucker isn’t ready to accept that.
It’s been rumored that he’s recently growing dissatisfied with the Clippers. Tucker allegedly feels he could still contribute to a contender.
How about the Dallas Mavericks?
NBA Trade Proposal: Dallas Mavericks Land Los Angeles Clippers’ PJ Tucker
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: C Richuan Holmes
Dallas Mavericks Receive: F/C P.J. Tucker
With that said, give Tucker his recognition. This is one of the all-time great role players in the NBA. If Tucker was ever on your favorite team, you’d probably be sad to see him go.
That may hold especially true for fans of the Houston Rockets. Tucker was instrumental in their extended run of title contention during the James Harden era.
At the same time, Milwaukee Bucks fans will miss him too – Tucker was a key part of their recent championship run.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Tucker, Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Clippers fans may be indifferent to Tucker’s departure. He hasn’t done much during his brief time with the organization. Could he do more with the Mavericks?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
It’s hard to say. Tucker was never a big-time offensive producer, but his output has majorly declined recently. He’s put together long strings of 0-point games. Even for a defensive specialist, that isn’t ideal.
Meanwhile, his defense has even regressed. That’s not a knock on Tucker – he is old. Still, it is a factor for the Mavericks to consider. What are they even doing here?
Well, Holmes doesn’t get on the floor much anyway. The Mavericks have better options at the 5. Meanwhile, they could use a defensive wing.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Tucker, Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks Updates
If Tucker develops chemistry with Luka Doncic, he may start knocking down triples again.
Should the Clippers risk watching him succeed elsewhere?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
The Mavericks may not need Holmes. Arguably, the Clippers don’t either. They’ve got two better options at the five between Ivica Zubac and Mason Plumlee. Why would they move Tucker for him?
Well, Tucker has been stringing together 0 point games. He’s not going to net the Clippers much trade value. They could buy him out, but getting something in return would be better. So, we’ve got them getting Holmes.
All the Clippers are doing here is preserving a salary spot. They’re getting a disgruntled player off the roster while keeping a comparable contract on the books for a potential future trade.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Tucker, Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Still, Holmes could be a useful insurance policy in case one of the Clippers’ bigs gets injured. After all, some NBA careers don’t last as long as others.
