NBA slaps PJ Tucker with massive $75K fine for trade comments
NBAPJ Tucker was not happy about the 76ers trading him to the Clippers back in October and his open complaints about the deal landed him this year’s largest fine.
The NBA took a massive chunk out of PJ Tucker’s contract on Thursday, fining him $75,000 for going off on the trade that sent him to the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this season.
Tucker publicly demanded a trade and let loose when expressing his deep displeasure with the Clippers on February 5, violating league protocols and appearing discontent in the process.
What exactly did Tucker say that pushed the league to nab him with the largest fine of the 2023-24 season?
PJ Tucker wanted no parts with the Clippers
Tucker ripped his current situation when speaking with ClutchPoints’ Tomer Azarly. When addressing his lack of playing time for the Clippers, Tucker said, “I feel like I shouldn’t have to go through this. I didn’t ask to be here. I didn’t ask for and I didn’t demand a trade to be here.”
The NBA released an official statement on X, saying that Tucker was fined $75,000 for his comments about wanting to be traded.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks added that Tucker avoided getting the maximum-allowed, six-figure fine.
Tucker hasn’t seen a single minute of action since November 27. The 13-year veteran is unaccustomed to riding the pine, seeing that he’s been a big part of every team he’s been on since the 2012-13 season, his second in the Association.
His mounting frustration prompted the team to send him, along with teammate Bones Hyland home until after the All-Star break to diffuse the situation, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
With the trade deadline now passed, Tucker will have to wait until the offseason to seek greener pastures, as he also dismissed a buyout.