With the Feb. 6 cutoff less than a week away, the NBA trade deadline frenzy is upon us folks.
The Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly dealing forward P.J. Tucker, centre Mo Bamba, a future second-round pick and cash to the Utah Jazz in exchange for centre Drew Eubanks and guard Patty Mills, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
It was a cap-relief move for the Clippers who now duck under the luxury tax by about $4 million. They can now be more active at the deadline or the buyout market. ESPN's Bobby Marks reported that the move also creates a $6.5 million and $2.1 million trade exception for the team.
L.A. has been one of the surprise teams of the season after what many assumed might be a rebuilding year following the departure of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard entering the year injured. Instead, they're 28-20, sixth in the West and sport the league's No. 2 defence at this point.
Tucker has not played for the Clippers this season. He and the team agreed in October that he would not be around the club, which has been trying to trade the 39-year-old for some time.
Bamba appeared in 28 games this season for the Clippers, averaging 4.6 points and 4.3 rebounds.
Tucker joined the Clippers last season after being part of the deal that also landed James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers. He's in the final year of a three-year, $33 million contract and could be a buyout candidate.
Now L.A. adds Eubanks and Mills, two vets who can contribute as depth pieces while on expiring deals. Mills will be a free agent after 2024-25 while Eubanks is on a $5 million non-guaranteed contract next season, giving L.A. plenty of flexibility to make moves now and in the future.
-- with files from the Associated Press
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