Fined him for being a crybaby

The NBA’s 2024 Trade Deadline passed on the 8th of this month. Many teams moved players to get better before the playoffs. One of the most constant names in trade talks was PJ Tucker. He was openly vocal about demanding a trade and his voice grew louder as the deadline approached. He also showed his frustrations on social media for being unable to secure a waiver. Now, the Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that the NBA has stepped in and fined him $75,000 for publicly demanding a trade, leading to fans roasting Tucker.

The defensive ace was thought to be a leading candidate to be traded. He stated several times that he was underutilized by the Los Angeles Clippers. Add to that his salary cap figure and they were primed to find him a taker. But it did not materialize. The Clippers could do with another player who can contribute for them. But it seems Tucker’s contract and age were not appealing enough for anyone.

PJ Tucker is being paid $11 million this season. That is a lot of money for playoff teams who are already up against the second apron. Tucker can contribute to a playoff team, but his dwindling contributions as a scorer are also working against him.

Add to that, he is about to be 39 years old. A playoff team does not want an aging veteran who does not score and has a decent salary cap number. The only possibility is that Tucker could have bought himself out. But he did not seem interested in doing that as he would lose out on a truckload of money.

Fans troll PJ Tucker’s fine at the hands of the NBA

PJ Tucker wants to play. He knows his time in the league is dwindling. After the deadline passed, he decided to get vocal about it. The NBA does not appreciate players venting their frustrations in public. Hence the fine.

PJ Tucker has expressed his frustrations at not being traded before the trade deadline (Via Los Angeles Clippers/X)

Fans could not hold themselves back from commenting on Tucker’s problems. They were quick to give their two cents about what they felt about Tucker and his cries for a trade. Following are the reactions;