The New York Knicks are retaining center Ariel Hukporti by exercising his team option while declining the contract option on PJ Tucker after limited contributions last season.
The New York Knicks are exercising the $1.9 million team option on center Ariel Hukporti, according to Ian Begley of SNY. Meanwhile, the team plans to decline the $3.4 million option on veteran forward PJ Tucker.
P.J. Tucker
| Team: |
New York Knicks |
| Position: | SF, SG |
| Age: | 40 |
| Height: | 198 cm |
| Weight: | 102 kg |
| Birth place: | North Carolina, United States of America |
Retaining the 23-year-old Hukporti will provide additional depth behind Karl-Anthony Towns, especially with Precious Achiuwa likely headed for free agency.
Hukporti, a German-born Togolese center, appeared in 25 games last season, starting once. He averaged 1.9 points and 2.0 rebounds per game.
He began his professional career in Germany with Riesen Ludwigsburg in 2018, later playing for Nevezis Kedainiai in Lithuania and Melbourne United in Australia's NBL.
Hukporti was selected by the Dallas Mavericks with the 58th and final pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. That same day, his draft rights were traded to the Knicks in exchange for the rights to Melvin Ajinca.
The 40-year-old Tucker, a 14-year NBA veteran, originally joined New York on two 10-day contracts in March before signing a two-year deal that included a team option for 2025–26. The Knicks have decided to decline that option.
Tucker appeared in just three games (one start) last season, averaging 3.0 points and 2.7 rebounds.
