2:18 pm: The trade is official, according to press releases from both teams.
11:39 am: The Clippers are trading forward P.J. Tucker, center Mohamed Bamba, a future second-round pick and cash to the Jazz for big man Drew Eubanks and guard Patty Mills, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Bobby Marks (Twitter link). The second-rounder is the Clippers’ 2030 pick, per Law Murray of The Athletic (Twitter link).
It’s a cost-cutting move for the Clippers, who will dip below the luxury tax line by swapping Tucker ($11.54MM) out for Eubanks ($5MM). Both Bamba ($2.1MM) and Mills ($2.1MM) are on expiring minimum-salary contracts.
Los Angeles had been operating about $2.47MM above the tax line, but will move below it by approximately $4.07MM as a result of this deal.
Besides generating significant savings this season, the move could financially benefit the team in the long run, since it’s a first step toward resetting the repeater taxpayer clock after spending the previous four years in tax territory.
The Clippers will also create trade exceptions worth $6.54MM and $2.1MM as a result of the deal, as cap experts Yossi Gozlan and Marks note (Twitter links).
Tucker was originally acquired in the trade that brought James Harden to Los Angeles. He only appeared in 28 regular season games (along with two playoff outings) with the franchise in 2023/24.
In February 2024, Tucker spent time away from the team just before the All-Star break. The forward was unhappy with his playing time, but was not traded before last year’s deadline and had a player option worth $11.54MM that made him an unrealistic buyout candidate.
Tucker picked up that option during the 2024 offseason, since he would have had no chance to earn that sort of guaranteed money on the free agent market. Los Angeles was expected to part ways with Tucker over the summer, but a trade or waiver didn’t come to fruition at that time. In October 2024, he and the Clippers mutually agreed that he would remain away from the team while the sides worked toward finding him a new home.
Approximately 15 months after he first arrived in Los Angeles, Tucker has finally been traded and now looks like a prime buyout candidate. The 39-year-old didn’t suit up at all this year for the Clippers and seems unlikely to play for the Jazz either. It’s reasonable to assume that Tucker would prefer to play for a contender with an opportunity to contribute, unless both he and Utah are happy with keeping him in a mentorship role.
Tucker started 75 games for the 54-win Sixers in 2022/23 and 70 games for the 53-win Heat in ’21/22. Any team would be eligible to sign him if he’s bought out since his pre-waiver salary of $11.54MM is lower than the $12.8MM mid-level exception.
Eubanks, who turns 28 today, has seen the most action this season of any the four players involved in the deal. He’ll give the Clippers a new look in the frontcourt. In 37 games (four starts) this season, he has averaged 5.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per night.
Eubanks signed with the Jazz this past summer on a two-year deal worth $9.75MM. However, the $4.75MM he’s due next year is fully non-guaranteed, giving Los Angeles some extra flexibility.
Mills was holding the Jazz veteran slot that Tucker could potentially take over. The 36-year-old split last season between Atlanta and Miami before signing in Utah. He has appeared in 17 games in 2024/25, averaging 4.4 points per contest. According to Murray (Twitter link), the Clippers plan to keep Mills on the roster for now. It’s possible that changes, however, depending on what additional moves the team might make at the trade deadline or on the buyout market.
Bamba signed with the Clippers during the summer of 2024. He appeared in 28 games with Los Angeles, making two starts and recording averages of 4.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 1.0 BPG. The former lottery pick is still just 26 years old and could get a look down the stretch from the Jazz, perhaps claiming Eubanks’ spot on the depth chart.
Solid move for the Clippers. Eubanks is a solid back up center. Utah all they get is a 2nd round pick. looks like Clippers got over on the Jazz.
A nothing trade.
2030 second pick could end up being an early one. It’s a gamble.
Plus, they get an extended inside look at Mo Bamba. He seems pretty well rounded. I liked Eubanks but in reality his departure shouldn’t affect the Jazz all that much.
Tucker will likely be bought out or included in another trade. Hard to say. Guess he could be a temporary mentor for Hendricks.
Patrick Millimeter
Always liked Mills!
(as is written on NBA instagram) weird ahh trade
Clippers get below the luxury tax line. It’s pretty simple really. Considering how often you post about the NBA it’s amazing how little you seem to know about it.
Exposed fake NBA fan lmao
“Considering how often you post about the NBA it’s amazing how little you seem to know about it.” Your words, not mine. This is a diss and its a lie. I have never said anything like I am some NBA oracle, that’s all you. You lying. Because you are a lunatic who lies to create drama. Here is a mute for you. Please mute me back.
I know about on-court analysis, off-court contract stuff, especially with all the recent rule changes, is pretty confusing to many, unlike you. I am here to learn about it, no idea why you act so superior. Bully and gang up mentality dont die, huh?
Davey J, they’re trolling you bro. They know they can get a rise out of you, because that’s how they get treated in real life & they’re too weak to do something about it.
@DangerBone Spot on. I just mute and go on with being a “take guy” while they stick to being cowardly “reply guys”.
A “take guy” would be able to constructively handle criticism and utilize it in periods of self reflection.
Sticking your fingers in your ears so you can avoid conversation from people who disagree with you is childish.
Oh look, a burner account of Davey J
LOL !!! DangerBone, one of the original OG HoopsRumors instigators, and we’re going way back. Love it !!!
Damn Davey the first elimination of the Royal rumble
You know what, the people on this website are so creative and have such a great sense of humor.
A subtle comment like this one from Sheldon just makes me laugh. Just a innocent little reference and I’m ROFL. Excellent Sheldon.., it’s the little things that just crack me up.
Yeeeeet.
Good move for Clippers without giving up any real future assets and still keeping theirs as well.
I know Bamba has not been good on offense this year, but his defense makes him the better player between he and Eubanks. But they at least get of Tucker’s contract which is a plus.
A 2nd rd pick, future cap space, two dead horses and cash. I would rather have a back up C and a veteran PG to teach the young guys. Clippers won this trade
You forget what Danny Ainge’s shiny object fascination is. Draft picks !!
That’s true
Happy Birthday Mr Eubanks. Now get your stuff packed and hit the road.
Conversely, it’s probably a great birthday present to not have to play for the Jazz.
He is 28. Probably for the best as the Jazz are likely to tank again next year.
That is a pretty rough series of events. Haha
Eub and Pat make this clippers team deep. I’d like to see Pat get some of porter jr’s mins for sure. As for eub – same mins as mo bamba
I haven’t paid attention, but do you have a moment to clue me in on Porter Junior? I thought he was a pretty good player and just had off court issues, but his performance on the floor was very good.
Why do you want to take minutes away from him? Thank you in advance.
Haven’t watched a ton of clippers this year, but based on what I’ve seen as well as prev szns from him, he can be an inconsistent chucker at times.
He is a better 1on1 scorer than mills, but even at his age Mills is a better spot up threat off ball. Haven’t watched enough Jazz to know how much his D has declined tho
Mills still has those killer moments, but you need to give him consistent playing time to get them more often. Defense is decent for a 36 year old.
Haven’t seen patty mills played either but porter jr from what i’ve seen was pretty good.
Finally the first trade in a long time.
I think it is a good deal for both sides, if Clippers paid the difference in salary between both players (6,5 million) or maybe even a little more (7,3 million is the max?).
And who knows the Jazz can still “flip” Tucker to another team in the next few days if it help facilitate a big deal with the new CBA. Collins plus Tucker is 38 million. Add Jordan Clarkson and you could even take on Bradley Beal. Collins+Clarkson+Eubanks was not enough salary to take on a player like Beal…
They will buy out Tucker. Tucker has 0 trade value. That is the reason for cash going to the Jazz.
Tucker and Collins can’t be aggregated in trade. Unless a player is acquired via cap space there is a period of time they can’t be aggregated in trade. It’s why Shroder can’t be aggregated by the Warriors until Feb 6th.
Forgot about the aggregation rule. Chance they still move Tucker is minimal then indeed :)
But you never know with this new CBA that they help a multi team trade for salary matching and feasibility by taking on an unwanted multi-year contract for Tucker.
That’s what I’m thinking. The Jazz are gearing up for another big trade by collecting more tradable assets. Guess we’ll know more by Thursday.
Take on Beal and some picks would be for Utah. Danny has a plan.
Beal has a no trade clause. Zero chance he waives it to go to Utah.
That is way too much money to take on for picks. Suns do not have picks to trade too. Nobody wants to take on $110 million in future payroll. Beal also has a no trade clause so no way he would go to the Jazz.
Yeah, doesn’t really fit what the Jazz are doing. Notice how Mo Bamba is only 26 and the players they’re sending out are 28 and 36. That’s the key ingredient to their randomness. =)
Tucker is 38 but I expect him to be flipped or a mentor role.
It’s so interesting Spike that there’s quite a few solutions that make sense on paper and roster wise and are in line with different teams GM‘s thought process and vision, but wow, this is such a complicated pain in the rear end with Bradley Beal and Jimmy Butler that if the NBA figures this out, I will be truly impressed.
Just two of the complications are mentioned by arc and willDS.
With that said, I’m pretty sure they WILL figure it out because number one, Miami cannot be stuck this summer with Jimmy Butler opting in for $52 million for 25-26.
That ain’t gonna happen no way no how.
I can see Phoenix holding onto Beal for the duration of the contract Because he’s a decent player but moving him to bring in Butler, wow, that is going take a war room 2 months of phone calls to figure out.
We’re three weeks into that and coming down to the final days so this should be very very interesting.
Good for clips. Boring trade though
I’m glad my boy P.J. Tucker finally got traded. The Utah Jazz can buy him out. He can go to a contender and play on a playoff team.
I don’t see him getting picked up, even on a vet minimum deal. He was great for Houston and the Bucks, but I think the league has gone past him.
I think you’re right, but wow did the Bucks sure miss him when he left. They won the ring and haven’t been the same since.
You know, the Bucks are said to be one of the more desperate teams right now.
Seems Ainge could be planning on this or the Bucks and Jazz already have a deal they’re working on, perhaps?
Los Angeles Clippers won the trade because they saved plenty money!
Getting rid of Tucker for one 2nd is a win on its own. I like Eubanks but not sure how big of an upgrade he’ll be over Bamba. Guessing they’ll keep looking at other centers. Also a fan of Mills but how much does he have left in the tank? Probably gets cut to make room for Miller if nothing else changes.
In my opinion, this trade has nothing to do with the other three players on the basketball floor. Zero.
Only their salaries and getting rid of PJ Tucker contract. That’s 100% the purpose of this trade.
I’m not saying that you’re writing anything different and perhaps just looking at the results but thought I would mention it anyway.
* 4 players Gary
But yes you are correct this is 99% a pure accounting trade
Get use to them. Fellas they will proliy make up half the trades this deadline
Tucker and THREE others :) Four players in total…
This was a masterclass of a trade for the Clippers
Seriously ?
This was probably the easiest trade to forecast in the entire Nba – The GMs might have just had the accounting departments handle it
It surprised me though…
Not that PJ Tucker would get traded, but didn’t realise that new 200% matching rule.
I guess we might have a lot more contracts under 7,5 million in the future for later trades…
Does Bones Hyland get traded as well now? He was on the market from what I read a week or so ago.
Question: the Clippers already traded their second in a swap to the Jazz in the Russ trade. Does that mean that now their is no swap?
Correct. The Jazz own both picks now (they essentially already owned the most favorable of the two picks and acquired the least favorable one in this deal).
Cap trade, don’t think any of the players impact in playoffs. PJ buyout but he is a very limited 40yr old.
Jazz still not trying to grt Markkenen help.
Markanen will be traded, or so I want to believe
Not yet panther. Danny Ainge still trying to stockpile a few more pics. Lol.
Hey John D Rockefeller, how much money is enough?
“Just a little bit more.”
How does this deal make any sense for Jazz?
Danny gives up a role player who’s decent and his partial guarantee for next season, who knows what it would be of $5 million? Maybe $2 million?
And in return, Danny receives a second round pick.
That pic plus the 2 million saved next season is music to Danny Ainge’s ears.
One Note may be that instead of keeping Eubanks, a serviceable back up, good role player for a rebuilding team, could it be that It’s getting close to time for Strainge to make his move?
If that’s the case, then he does not want any guaranteed salary that he can possibly avoid for next year.
If it’s his time to act, then watch out. Could be something worth observing from a distance. I wouldn’t wanna be in the splash zone when the show begins.
The Jazz wanted a pick and a younger prospect. They’re trading away players older than 26.
Whatever anyone thinks of the players involved, this deal has little to nothing to do with them. LAC are giving up a 2nd round pick to shed enough salary to get under the luxury tax line. Always their intent from the day PG-13 wasn’t signed.
Is there any chance Knicks get Tucker on a buy out? Are the Knicks a destination spot finally for buy-out players now???
I think the Knicks are a player in the buyout market now.
I don’t think New York ever lost its distinction as a destination for a rising Hooper, but maybe it slipped in the rankings for a little while. But they’re back baby.
They have less than 600K of space under the hard cap. With that, they can add 1 player on a pro-rated minimum contract in March (not prior to that).
Warren is the likely candidate, but it could be a buyout player instead (as long as the guy wasn’t previously making more than the mid-level salary).
Space under the hard cap can only be increased by trading an existing player and not taking back salary. Not by releasing a player.
You mean the cap affects the buyout market with a month or two left in the season? That’s rubbish !!
The player is sacrificing massive money to play for pennies so he can help them get a championship. Why would the NBA thwart that in anyway?
I think the league caught wind that as in baseball, people loved the old days when a guy stayed with the same team 15 years and didn’t move.
You knew who the players were etc. etc. blah blah.
Well, they’ve gone too far perhaps. The system needs improvement, yes, but With no player movement, I’ll fall asleep between December and April.
@Gary – At this point, anything the small market owner group dreams up, gets added to the CBA. They obviously thought it would be fun to prohibit high payroll teams from adding buyout guys previously making a lot of money. Why the players agreed to this one, who knows.
Yes, it probably makes sense for the health of the league, and parity and all of that.
But it sure messes up the fans enjoyment of picking up snipers at the last hour.
Bigger trade than Luka for AD. PJ is an MVP caliber talent. Fresh legs, oversized 4, but super quick. Great defender of anyone not on the court (coach, injured players, trainers). Guards the refs 1-3. Gets to the foul line 10-15 times a game. A excellent 30/15/15/5/5 60/50/99% player.
Why is PJ still in the league?