The New York Knicks have won six of their last seven contests and possess the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Still, the organization may feel compelled to make a questionable move involving a washed-up Utah Jazz veteran.
“The New York Knicks will be active in the trade market at the deadline, but there is no guarantee that they will be able to get any significant trades done,” Empire Sports Media’s Dylan Backer wrote Friday.
“Mitchell Robinson and Jericho Sims are seemingly on the trade block, but everybody else is pretty much undetermined regarding their future.
“Therefore, if the Knicks are unable to complete a trade by the deadline on Feb. 6, they will have to turn their attention towards the buyout market.”
On Saturday, the Los Angeles Clippers traded PJ Tucker, Mo Bamba, a future second-round pick, and cash to the Jazz for Drew Eubanks and Patty Mills.
However, Third Apron’s Yossi Gozlan reported that the Jazz may buy Tucker out after acquiring him, allowing the Knicks to sign him.
“PJ Tucker is likely to become a buyout candidate upon being traded to the Utah Jazz,” Gozlan wrote on X/Twitter.
“He would be allowed to sign with any team since his pre-waiver salary ($11.5 million) is less than the $12.8 million mid-level exception.”
In October, Los Angeles announced that Tucker would technically remain a Clipper but wouldn’t play for the organization during the 2024-25 campaign.
Last season, Tucker struggled to carve out a respectable role on the Clippers, averaging 1.6 points and 2.7 rebounds in 15 minutes.
The 39-year-old forward was once a frightening on-ball defender with a reliable corner three.
However, it’s reasonable to state Tucker is more of a liability than an asset at this career stage.
Tucker could follow in Udonis Haslem’s footsteps and serve as a mentor to New York’s younger, less experienced contributors.
From a production standpoint, though, the Knicks shouldn’t expect the Texas product to light up the scoreboard.
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