Though they’re 5-5 in their last 10 games, the New York Knicks aren’t down and out. Far from it, in fact, as they hold the third-best record in the Eastern Conference. However, with the 2025 NBA Playoffs nearing, they’re well aware that they need to shore up a couple of areas, including their defense.
Thus, they’re signing veteran forward PJ Tucker to a 10-day contract, per ESPN senior insider Shams Charania.
PJ Tucker Gets Tryout With Knicks, Tom Thibodeau
Tucker has yet to play this season, largely due to a disagreement about his role with the Los Angeles Clippers. As a result of that dispute, he opted to stay away from the team while he awaited a resolution. Eventually, the Clippers figured that a trade was the best option, leading to him landing with the Toronto Raptors. However, presumably because of the 39-year-old’s desire to play for a legitimate contender, he was eventually waived.
Free agent PJ Tucker plans to sign with the New York Knicks on a 10-day contract, sources tell ESPN. The 14-year NBA veteran held discussions with multiple teams over the last week. Tucker, a 2021 NBA champion with the Bucks, gives the Knicks an enforcer and frontcourt depth. pic.twitter.com/rDR8A7LqEg
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 8, 2025
After entertaining multiple teams in free agency, Tucker didn’t take the path of least resistance though. The Knicks may have signed him to a contract but 10-day deals are essentially tryouts.
Jury Is Out, Report Is In
Tucker’s scouting report isn’t likely to change. For years, he’s been regarded as a defensive-minded forward whose toughness, tenacity, and technique make him a difficult matchup. He’s also proven himself to be a respectable 3-point threat, helping him stay on the court despite other limitations.
The questions that New York needs answered will be about his conditioning, chemistry, and commitment. The jury is out on Tucker’s intangibles as well. He’s obviously a seasoned and serious player. Nonetheless, his willingness to sit out and collect paychecks rather than compete for playing time speaks to a sense of entitlement that might prevent him from staying with the Knicks until the end of the season.
New York can obviously use help guarding the perimeter. Still, nobody is above the program.
With that in mind, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau doesn’t just give away minutes. As with most teams, their starters get the lion’s share of minutes; everyone else just has to fit in. Yet, Thibodeau is even more dogmatic about his rotations. He truly wants his best players on the court as much as possible.
In this case, that’s Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby. Of course, Tucker could come in to spell Hart, Bridges, or Anunoby. Still, you can bet your bottom dollar that Thibodeau will play any of those three guys the entire game if he sees fit.
That’s usually only a problem for the fans. Now it’s time to figure out if it’ll be an issue for Tucker.
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
