The Los Angeles Clippers are nearly unstoppable, but they're reportedly still looking for ways to improve the roster ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
The Clippers are exploring trade options for veteran forward P.J. Tucker and young guard Bones Hyland, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
“Amid the hot streak, the Clippers are gauging the trade market on Bones Hyland and PJ Tucker, league sources told HoopsHype,” the report reads.
HoopsHype also reported that if he isn't moved before the deadline, Tucker “is not expected to discuss a buyout.” The 38-year-old is making $11 million this season and has a player option for $11.5 million next season.
Clippers have flourished without Tucker or Hyland
After being acquired by the Clippers earlier in the season as part of the James Harden trade, Tucker averaged 14 minutes in 12 games before completely falling out of the rotation. He hasn't played a game since Nov. 27, when the team lost at home to a Denver Nuggets team without Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, or Aaron Gordon. The Clippers have gone 23-6 since then as the trio of Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George has hit their stride and transformed the Clippers into one of the most formidable teams in the NBA.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported in December that Tucker had “expressed frustration about his current situation with the team, and both sides are discussing ways to resolve a role for him there or elsewhere.” As Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer reported, the Milwaukee Bucks could be a potential landing spot for Tucker, who won the 2021 NBA championship in Milwaukee, if the Bucks decide to move Pat Connaughton and Cameron Payne. Tucker played last season under new Bucks coach Doc Rivers when they were both in Philadelphia.
As for Hyland, the 23-year-old guard's minutes have also largely vanished after averaging 11.8 points in 23.5 minutes over the first eight games of the season. Since then, he has played sporadically, averaging 2.2 points and 5.8 minutes in just 10 games since Nov. 10.
The Clippers acquired Hyland at the trade deadline last year after the Denver Nuggets and Hyland reportedly disagreed on a suitable amount of playing time. Before this season, he had accumulated career game averages of 10.9 points and 2.9 assists.
Hyland, the 26th overall draft pick in 2021, is earning $2.3 million this season and is set for a $4.2 million salary next season. As part of his rookie-scale contract, he will be a restricted free agent in the 2025 offseason.
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