Knicks Plan To Sign Former NBA Champion To Two-Year Deal
The New York Knicks are 47-27 and reside third in the Eastern Conference standings. They trail the second-seeded Boston Celtics by eight games. New York leads the fourth-place occupants, the Indiana Pacers, by four. In other words, the Knicks are highly likely to enter the playoffs in the position they’re in now.
As they prepare for the postseason, Fred Katz of The Athletic recently reported Jalen Brunson has received clearance for basketball activities. The two-time All-Star is working his way back from an ankle sprain.
While the injury has sidelined him for New York’s last 12 games, the Knicks have won four of their past five tilts and fared 7-5 without their floor general. Brunson said he’s hoping to play before the playoffs commence, per Ian Begley of SNY.
The good vibe around the team also includes a coming contract extension for its newest member. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, New York plans to sign P.J. Tucker to a two-year deal.
This arrangement allows the 13-year veteran to stay with the Knicks through the remainder of the regular season. More importantly, it means he will join them for their playoff run. The contract contains a team option for the 2025-26 campaign.
Tucker saw his NBA contractual rights ping-pong from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Miami Heat to getting shipped north of the border. The 39-year-old Raleigh, North Carolina native never suited up for the Raptors, the franchise he started his NBA career with, in the 2006-07 season.
New York brought Tucker in on a 10-day agreement on Mar. 20. The former NBA champion quickly proved a positive addition, earning him a second 10-day deal.
Since joining the Knicks, the six-foot-five wing has only appeared in one game, logging two minutes. However, his leadership was the primary motivation for signing him. His new contract reflects how pleased his new team is by his impact on that front.
Tucker, known for his dogged defense, fiery approach, and effectiveness on catch-and-shoot three-point attempts, especially from the corners, has career averages of 6.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals. He has converted 2.7 career shots from beyond the arc at a 36.6 percent clip.
The New York Knicks have had a strong season, but injuries and inconsistency have created challenges. They currently hold a solid record in the Eastern Conference, staying in the mix for home-court advantage in the playoffs.
However, their defense has taken a hit in recent months, especially with key players missing time. Mitchell Robinson’s extended absence due to injury has left a hole in the Knicks’ frontcourt. Opponents have been able to take advantage of second-chance opportunities, and the Knicks could use more depth in the frontcourt to solidify their defense. Their latest game, a 110-93 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, showed flashes of their defensive potential. They held Portland to under 100 points and controlled the rebounding battle. Still, against tougher competition, New York has been inconsistent on that end of the floor.
Knicks should explore a trade with the Detroit Pistons Fadeaway World analyst Eddie Bitar suggested that the Knicks should consider trading for Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart.
“Isaiah Stewart has been a solid contributor for the Detroit Pistons, averaging 6.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game this season. His toughness and defensive mindset align with the Knicks’ culture, providing depth in the frontcourt,” Bitar said. “However, Stewart has faced disciplinary issues, including a recent suspension and fine for accumulating flagrant fouls. Trading for Stewart would involve sending Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride to Detroit,” proposes Bitar as a fair trade. “The Knicks would need to assess whether Stewart’s potential upside outweighs the concerns regarding his on-court conduct.”
