The NBA fined Los Angeles Clippers forward P.J. Tucker $75,000 for publicly "expressing a desire to be traded to another team," the league announced Thursday.
Tucker hasn't made an appearance for the Clippers since Nov. 27. The veteran and Los Angeles agreed it was best for him to sit as the club searched for a trade suitor.
However, Los Angeles couldn't find a new home for Tucker prior to last week's deadline.
"It was agreed upon that I would sit," Tucker recently told The Athletic's Shams Charania and Law Murray. "I didn't just sit, it was agreed upon. Until they moved me, I would sit. They didn't do it.
"But (I) try to be professional, as professional as possible. But at the same time, if I don't advocate for myself, who is? You know? But it is what it is, man."
The Clippers sent home Tucker and teammate Bones Hyland prior to Wednesday's encounter against the Golden State Warriors, sources told Charania and Murray.
Both players are reportedly expected to rejoin the team following the All-Star break.
Tucker expressed frustrations to the club over his playing time, and the two parties have held "productive discussions" about being prepared to potentially re-join the rotation, adds Charania and Murray.
However, Tucker said he doesn't think it's "realistic" to suit up in the playoffs if he doesn't get into the lineup beforehand.
"Can't just throw somebody out there, 'Go play now.' You know what I'm saying? It don't work like that," Tucker said. "I don't know where it goes from here.
"I know what they think is going to happen. But I don't think it happens like that. Just throw somebody in the playoffs in the second round. 'Alright, now go do what you do.' Don't work like that."
Los Angeles acquired Tucker from the Philadelphia 76ers as part of the James Harden blockbuster deal. The 38-year-old is averaging a career-low 1.3 points and 2.9 boards in 15.9 minutes.
A buyout hasn't gained traction since Tucker holds a $11.5-million player option for next season, Charania and Murray report.
