Knicks News: Taj Gibson Waived Ahead of Contract Guarantee Deadline
January 7, 2024
The New York Knicks are waiving veteran forward Taj Gibson they announced on Sunday.
Per The Athletic's Fred Katz, the move gives New York more flexibility heading into the trade deadline, as it will have 14 players on the roster — teams can have at max 15 players on a roster — giving them the ability to make two-for-one or three-for-two trades. Gibson's contract would have been guaranteed today.
The 39-year old is averaging a career-low 1.4 points per game this season, playing about 10 minutes per game in just 10 games this season.
Gibson has been a staple of Tom Thibodeau-coached teams since coming into the league in 2009 out of USC. Gibson played under Thibodeau from 2010 to 2015 for the Chicago Bulls and later joined him with the Minnesota Timberwolves from 2017 to 2019.
Gibson's first stint in New York came from 2019 to 2022, with Thibodeau taking over as head coach in 2020. Gibson spent last season with the Washington Wizards before signing a one-year deal with the Knicks in December. New York added the big man to give the team more depth in the paint following Mitchel Robinson's injury that requires ankle surgery.
Sitting in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference at 21-15, the Knicks have already been active in the trade market, dealing RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and a 2024 second-round pick to the Toronto Raptors for OG Anunonoby.
Now with more room on the roster, New York will likely be looking to add another piece to compliment Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle to fuel a deep playoff run.
