Knicks' decision to waive Taj Gibson gives them more flexibility for deal-making
T.J. McConnell of the Indiana Pacers and Taj Gibson of the New York Knicks greet each other during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on December 30, 2023/ Credit: Getty Images
GREENBURGH — The Knicks’ decision to waive Taj Gibson is the latest indication that they are looking to make another deal before the NBA’s Feb. 8 trade deadline.
The Knicks waived the popular Gibson on Sunday, the day before his $2.4 million contract would have been officially guaranteed. The move gives them extra flexibility as they now have 14 players under contract. This will allow them to make a two-for-one or three-for-two trade.
Gibson, 38, who has been the oldest player on the Knicks, is a long-time favorite of coach Tom Thibodeau. They were first together on the Bulls during the Derrick Rose era. Gibson also played for Thibodeau with the Timberwolves and has had two stints with the Knicks.
The Knicks signed Gibson on Dec. 15 after Mitchell Robinson and third-string center Jericho Sims suffered injuries. He averaged 1.4 points and 1.8 rebounds per game in 10 games. The arrival of Precious Achiuwa in the trade with Toronto on Dec. 30 took Gibson out of the rotation. Achiuwa and Sims, now healthy, will back up Isaiah Hartenstein.
Gibson’s presence in the locker room will be missed, and there’s talk that he could one day rejoin the club as a coach.
“We always have a spot for him. It’s an open door,” Thibodeau said after practice Monday. “We’ll see how everything unfolds, but I think he still has something left in the tank. I think he’s going to be a terrific coach when that time comes as well.”
Jalen Brunson first met Gibson when Brunson was a teenager and his dad was on the Bulls’ staff.
“It was great to have him as a teammate,” Brunson said. “Knowing Taj when I was in eighth grade when he was in Chicago, to be teammates with him is a pretty cool feeling for myself. He was special. He brought a lot of leadership and he obviously knew the ins and outs of the game of basketball.
“And then, being with Thibs for such a very long time, he was nothing short of amazing when he was here.”
The Knicks, who will host Portland on Tuesday, are 4-0 since making the trade with Toronto that brought Achiuwa and starter OG Anunoby to New York. They are heading into an easier part of the season after having played 22 road games, more than any other team, and eight of their 11 back-to-backs.
“Yeah, I’m exhausted,” Julius Randle said, only half-joking, on Monday. “But I’m excited to be back home and have the schedule level itself out.”
Notes & quotes: Brunson was named the Eastern Conference player of the week Monday after averaging 27.3 points, 9.3 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 36.6 minutes per game. He also earned that honor in November . . . Quentin Grimes has family in town and high-tailed it out of the facility after practice. Grimes’ mother, Tonja Stelly, is here to attend the Rangers-Canucks game Monday night and Grimes’ game against Portland on Tuesday. Grimes’ brother, Tyler Myers, is a defenseman for Vancouver. The two are the only pair of brothers ever to play in the NBA and NHL.
Barbara Barker is an award-winning columnist and features writer in the sports department at Newsday. She has covered sports in New York for more than 20 years.
