Search Here

In an effort to improve their defensive end, the New York Knicks could do well by adding a physical wing defender to the mix before the NBA trade deadline this February. And according to latest mumurs, a potential target for the Knicks may be P.J. Tucker of the Phoenix Suns.

The Knicks do have a roster of bruisers led by Joakim Noah though adding more players to fill in the role could improve the defensive side of things. Assistant coach Kurt Rambis was tasked with managing the defensive end but there seems to be no one primed to anchor it to date. With that hole in mind, it makes sense for the Knicks to seriously consider P.J. Tucker if the Suns are willing to budge, ESPN reported.

Through his five-year career, Tucker has been a hard-nosed defender. In fact this season, he is ranked 22nd among the 80 defensive small forward on ESPN’s defensive RPM. P.J. Tucker thus becomes another Sun who could be changing zip codes soon. Before him, Brandon Knight was the name being shopped around since Phoenix had an overcrowded backcourt.

To date, no team has been closely linked to Knight though all that should change in the coming weeks. Getting Tucker to Gotham will be a bit tricky. He is in the last year of his $5.3 million deal meaning he will likely try free agency this Summer with hopes of getting a more lucrative pay, NBC reported. For the Knicks, Tucker may not be a long-term option unless they can work something out.

Anything can still happen beyond this point with New York needing to ramp up their defensive end to offset their multiple offensive socks. The Knicks are currently toting a 16-19 win-loss card and are within striking distance of the top eight. Jeff Hornacek and Rambis will need to plan ahead if they are to make a serious run at the NBA playoffs.