P.J. Tucker Reportedly Could Sign New Knicks Contract After 10-Day Deal Expired
P.J. Tucker could rejoin the New York Knicks on a new contract after his 10-day deal expired without an extension, according to the New York Post's Stefan Bondy.
The 39-year-old played in one game for the Knicks on March 19 against the San Antonio Spurs, logging two minutes at the end of a 120-105 blowout loss.
The former 35th overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft last played for the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2023-24 season, averaging 15 minutes in 28 games while posting 1.6 points per game.
Midway through the season, Tucker expressed his desire to be traded from the Clippers. After the season, he exercised his $11.54 million player option, but the team was unable to find a trade partner. At the start of the following season, Tucker and the Clippers mutually agreed to part ways while working on a resolution.
"P.J. is a pro who has achieved a lot in his career and there's more he wants to accomplish," the Clippers said, per ESPN. "We will continue working with P.J. and his representative to find the best situation for him moving forward."
At the start of February, Tucker was included in trades to Utah and then Toronto before being waived by the Raptors at the end of the month. Just over 10 days later, the Knicks signed him to a 10-day contract.
The 14-year veteran is an NBA champion, having played a key defensive role in the Milwaukee Bucks' 2021 title run. He appeared in 20 games for Milwaukee after being traded midseason by the Houston Rockets.
Knicks guard Josh Hart acknowledges the experiences that Tucker brought to the young New York team.
“He’s been great in terms of being vocal and talking to guys individually and doing those things,” Hart said on the Roommates Show podcast (h/t NBA Analysis Network). “I think with him, and all of us struggle with finding the right time to address certain things and hold guys accountable. In the group setting, I think that’s something that everybody’s trying to figure out.”
If extended, as reports have suggested, Tucker's veteran presence would be a significant addition to the 46-27 Knicks, who currently sit third in the Eastern Conference and are looking at a deep playoff run.
