LOS ANGELES – The Knicks are leading the tough, veteran NBA champion into the mix.
The 39-year-old PJ Tucker is set to sign a 10-day deal with the Knicks, league sources confirmed Saturday.
New York's appeal to Tucker, who hasn't played this season, is rooted in his experience and the enforcer mentality, sources said.
Tucker's match certainly diminishes from his three-wing prowess on the rocket, so it's unclear whether he'll help on the court, but he's always offering a tough nose presence on his roster.
He is a free agent after being abandoned by the Raptors.
Tucker has only played 31 games in the last two seasons.
He launched the campaign with the Clippers, but both sides agreed that he could leave the team while they moved.
Sources said the Knicks' contract was not expected to be finalized on Saturday.
With a 10-day contract, the team wants to maximize his days.
Once the contract is over, the Knicks will allow Tucker to re-sign a second 10-day contract, sign a standard contract, and attack free agents again.
Tucker was a two-way force with the sun and rocket for several seasons.
He won the championship with the Bucks in 2021.
He also made up a large part of the Heat's run to the 2022 final.
Tucker appeared in 104 playoff games.
His toughness must be a welcome addition to the locker room, which has lost much of its strength with the departure of Donte Divinsenzo, Isaiah Haltenstein and Julius Randle.
But whether Tucker can still play impactful is more questionable after such a long layoff.
Tucker will become the oldest and most experienced player on the New York roster.
Deron Wright is currently 32 years old and his eldest son, while Josh Hart is just 30 years old and is second in second place.
