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Knicks Trade Rumors: Five Reasons To Pursue P.J. Tucker

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 17, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Domantas Sabonis (3) guards Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) during the second half at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Thunder defeat the Suns 114-101. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Domantas Sabonis (3) guards Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) during the second half at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Thunder defeat the Suns 114-101. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 21, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) and guard Devin Booker (1) react against the Houston Rockets at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) and guard Devin Booker (1) react against the Houston Rockets at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Expiring Contract

Though it may not apply directly to what transpires on the court, it’s important to note that P.J. Tucker is on an expiring contract. Thus, if the New York Knicks were to acquire him via trade and determine that he doesn’t fit, he could simply walk in free agency.

It’d cost a reasonable amount to acquire Tucker via trade, but the fact New York can clear him off the books is an intriguing truth.

The Knicks will have a number of critical decisions to make during the 2017 offseason. Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings will be unrestricted free agents and standout reserve Justin Holiday will join them.

In other words: New York will need to sign a starting point guard, backup point guard, and backup shooting guard in 2017.

The fact that Tucker’s affordable contract will come off the books in 2017 means New York would have additional cap space. More importantly, he’s making $5.3 million in 2016-17 and could be willing to re-sign for a similar figure.

Acquiring Tucker would be a low-risk and low-cost move that enables New York to either determine the length of his stay or admit its mistake and let him walk.

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