Knicks to sign veteran P.J. Tucker to 10-day contract for gritty depth
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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 performance on the court has declined since his time as a 3-and-D wing player with the Rockets. Nevertheless, his toughness and gritty demeanor have always been valuable additions to his teams.

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.

After the current contract expires, the Knicks have the option to either offer Tucker a second 10-day contract, sign him to a standard contract, or let him enter free agency once more.

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 rugged playing style is likely to inject a much-needed intensity into a locker room that has seen a decrease in grit following 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.

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