Knicks surprise many, bring back popular veteran
After his second 10-day contract with the Knicks, there was some speculation on whether P.J. Tucker would find his way back to the team or not, and if he did, what that contract would end up looking like. Well, those speculations were put to rest last night as Shams Charania of ESPN reported that the veteran had signed a two-year deal to stay with New York. The Knicks haven’t been shy about letting people know how pleased they’ve been with the 14-year vet. There were reports that the team was very satisfied with Tucker’s veteran presence and vocal leadership on the bench.
After two 10-day contracts, the New York Knicks are planning to sign veteran forward PJ Tucker to a two-year deal, sources tell ESPN. Tucker will return to the Knicks through the season and playoffs, with a team option for 2025-26. https://t.co/traoEppmqt
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 31, 2025
And on his podcast, the “Roommates Show,” starting shooting guard Josh Hart spoke very highly of his teammate, saying, “He’s been great in terms of being vocal and talking to guys individually and doing those things,” Hart went on to say, “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.”
PJ Tucker’s rest-of-season deal with the Knicks will leave them with enough room under the second apron to add another vet free agent at the end of the regular season. Knicks people have appreciated Tucker’s off-court impact, vocal approach during his two-week stint with the…
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) March 31, 2025
Tucker does provide some valuable playoff experience, having played in 19 postseason series throughout his career. And he should continue to be a passionate and vocal leader ready to get in his teammate’s ears when they need it. But this signing still comes as a surprise to many. While the Knicks can still sign another free-agent veteran at the end of the season, many were under the assumption that the Knicks would try and acquire some playable depth instead of going with a 39-year-old who isn’t getting any younger. Tucker has had some very nice seasons over his long career, but his time as a meaningful contributor off the bench is likely over.
That being said, it’s rare for players who are available to be picked up at this point in the season, both through free agency and the G League, to make a significant difference. There’s often a reason they haven’t been picked up or haven’t been playing, and chances are, the Knicks valued Tucker’s experience and leadership over another depth piece who was very unlikely to play big minutes or contribute in any sort of way on the court.
One thing this signing does do, though, is give the Knicks a tradeable contract. The team option on Tucker’s deal gives the Knicks another contract that they could trade in an off-season deal, should they choose to do so.