Back in 2021, the Milwaukee Bucks were fighting to maintain the third seed in the NBA Eastern Conference. Though they had the reigning back-to-back NBA MVP in Giannis Antetokounmpo alongside Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday, it was clear that the team was lacking something: a tough enforcer who would help set the tone defensively.
Their solution to this need was to acquire PJ Tucker from the Houston Rockets ahead of the NBA trade deadline. And as it turned out, the move worked perfectly. Tucker was a key defensive piece in Milwaukee’s run for their first NBA Championship in 50 years.
And now it looks like one of the Bucks’ biggest rivals in the East is hoping for a similar result.
Former Milwaukee Bucks Champion PJ Tucker Has Signed with the New York Knicks
Milwaukee Bucks, PJ Tucker, New York Knicks
Jul 22, 2021; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. Tucker (17) celebrates during the Milwaukee Bucks victory parade. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski
Since leaving Milwaukee, Tucker has played for the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Clippers. He has not, however, stayed in one place very long. Additionally, he has not seen the court yet this season following a falling out with Los Angeles.
Before the trade deadline, the Clippers traded Tucker to the Utah Jazz, who in turn sent him to the Toronto Raptors, who then released him, making him a free agent. Now, he is signing a ten-day contract with the New York Knicks:
Free agent PJ Tucker plans to sign with the New York Knicks on a 10-day contract, sources tell ESPN. The 14-year NBA veteran held discussions with multiple teams over the last week. Tucker, a 2021 NBA champion with the Bucks, gives the Knicks an enforcer and frontcourt depth. pic.twitter.com/rDR8A7LqEg
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 8, 2025
As seen in the post above, the Knicks were not the only team in negotiations for the long-time veteran and corner-three specialist. It is not known if Milwaukee was one of those teams.
Interestingly, New York is currently in the third seed of the Eastern Conference, the same position the Bucks were in when they got Tucker back in 2021.
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