But that might be the least of the out-of-contract Adelaide forward's worries as he awaits the findings of an AFL investigation into possible draft and salary cap violations, arising from an undisclosed side agreement he entered into with Adelaide when he re-signed with the Crows in 2009.
Tippett was unlikely to find a new home on Friday given the uncertainty cast onto his immediate playing future by the AFL investigation.
Reporter Craig Hutchison told Gillette AFL Trade Radio on Friday morning the AFL had stepped in to ensure no deal was done, barring the Crows from trading Tippett.
But AFL.com.au understands the Crows chose not to pursue a trade for Tippett on Friday, realising they were unlikely to broker any deal that would stand up to AFL scrutiny.
Normally, Tippett's next move would be clear - nominate for the NAB AFL Draft or pre-season draft, perhaps stipulating his salary demands in the hope of getting to the Swans.
However, if Tippett is found to have been knowingly involved in any draft or salary cap violations he faces AFL penalties ranging from a fine and/or suspension to deregistration.
The AFL confirmed on Friday there was no time limit on the investigation.
After playing 104 games for Adelaide since debuting in round one, 2008, Tippett announced he wanted a trade to this year's premiers, the Swans, earlier this month.
However, this week's explosive revelations of Tippett's side deal with the Crows ultimately scuttled his desired move to the Swans.
That deal stated the Crows would trade Tippett to the club of his choice at the end of his playing contract for a second-round pick, an arrangement that might constitute draft tampering.
It also reportedly guaranteed Tippett $200,000 outside the playing contract lodged by the Crows with the AFL, to be paid to him by third-party companies or the Crows.
The Crows - and Tippett's manager, Peter Blucher of Velocity Sports - also face hefty AFL sanctions after CEO Steven Trigg disclosed the Tippett side deal to the AFL last Friday, having intervened to stop a deal that would have sent Tippett to the Swans for pick No. 23 and fringe Swans forward Jesse White.
Adelaide list manager David Noble refused to comment on Tippett when he arrived at Etihad Stadium on Friday morning for last-minute negotiations.
Before nominating the Swans as his preferred new home, Queenslander Tippett had been widely expected to seek a trade to either the Brisbane Lions or Gold Coast.
While the uncertainty surrounding his future brings both Queensland clubs back into the picture, Suns football manager Marcus Ashcroft said on Friday morning Gold Coast had yet to discuss whether it would pursue Tippett if he became available.
"From our point of view it's a non-issue," Ashcroft told reporters at Etihad Stadium.
If Tippett is eligible to nominate for this year's drafts, 2012 wooden-spooner, Greater Western Sydney, has indicated it will consider selecting him.
Nick Bowen is a reporter with AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Nick
