LOS ANGELES — The Knicks are bringing a tough, veteran NBA champion into the mix.
P.J. Tucker, 39 years old, plans to sign a 10-day contract with the Knicks, league sources confirmed Saturday.
New York’s attraction to Tucker, who hasn’t played this season, is rooted in his experience and enforcer mentality, a source said.
Tucker’s game has certainly diminished from the 3-and-D wing prowess with the Rockets so it’s unclear if he’ll help on the court, but he’s always provided a tough and hard-nosed presence to his rosters.
He’s a free agent after being waived by the Raptors, who acquired Tucker as a salary filler in a deadline deal.
Tucker has only played 31 games over the last two seasons.
He started this campaign with the Clippers but both sides agreed he could leave the team while they worked out a relocation.
The deal with the Knicks wasn’t expected to be finalized Saturday, according to sources.
Since it’s a 10-day contract, the team wants to maximize his days.
Once the contract is up, the Knicks can re-sign Tucker to a second 10-day contract, sign him a standard contract or allow him to hit free agency again.
Tucker was a two-way force with the Suns and Rockets for several seasons.
He won a championship with the Bucks as the starting forward in 2021.
He was also a big part of the Heat’s run to the 2022 Finals.
Tucker has appeared in 104 playoff games.
His toughness should be a welcome addition to a locker room that lost much of its intensity with the departures of Donte DiVincenzo, Isaiah Hartenstein and Julius Randle.
Whether Tucker can still make an impact playing, however, is more doubtful after such a long layoff.
Tucker will be, by far, the oldest and most experienced player on New York’s roster.
Currently, Delon Wright is the eldest at 32 and Josh Hart, who just turned 30, is No. 2.