Clippers fans receive update on P.J. Tucker's situation

The LA Clippers' season has begun, and things are already looking more promising than they may have just a few days ago. After the pre-game excitement of being at Intuit Dome for the first time calmed down, Clippers fans were treated to an extremely competitive contest between their home squad and a presumptive Western Conference contender, which ultimately ended in a loss for the good guys.

But there were plenty of promising signs. The Clippers' defense excelled, and James Harden appeared to have returned to near-MVP levels for this squad. There had been plenty of discouraging news surrounding this team in recent weeks, but opening night served to lighten the mood a bit. Now, the Clippers will move forward to game number two. When they do so, they will still be without the services of P.J. Tucker.

Before the season began, it had been announced that Tucker would be away from the team as they went into the regular season slate. P.J. has long been dissatisfied with his role on the squad, and desired a change of scenery. The organization agreed that he would not play, and agreed to try to find him a new home. This whole situation has been long and drawn-out, and has been met with many an eye roll from the fanbase.

Clippers granted Tucker's agent permission to speak with other teams

Now, an update from NBA Insider Chris Haynes gives us a bit more insight into what that process of shipping out Tucker looks like. A report on Thursday indicated that the Clippers have granted Tucker's agent, Andre Buck, permission to speak with other teams "to facilitate working on a trade." Haynes told us that both sides continue working together to make something happen, and P.J. will continue to remain away from the team in the meantime.

Again, this is likely to be met with groans and rolling of eyes from Clippers fans. It is unlikely that LA will be able to get anything of value for Tucker, considering his age and the team's lack of leverage in this situation. Certainly it is a bit frustrating that P.J. does not feel willing to contribute to winning for the Clippers, yet he still believes he can for another team.

Most of the fanbase will probably just be happy when this whole saga is over. Tucker's best days are behind him as a player, and his process of holding out has felt like a distraction from everything else going on with the team.