As expected, the Toronto Raptors have waived veteran forward PJ Tucker, who they acquired in the five-team trade that sent Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors. Originally, Tucker was expected to head to the Miami Heat as part of the deal. However, he landed with the Raptors when the Heat decided that they would rather trade for Davion Mitchell to shore up their point guard position.
Since the trade was completed, Butler and Mitchell have started for their respective teams, making an impact as two-way players. If the Raptors were considered contenders, Tucker might be doing the same in Ontario. Yet, given his age and experience, it was always unlikely that he would remain with Toronto.
The Toronto Raptors have waived PJ Tucker.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 28, 2025
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Tucker will now be expected to join a playoff-bound team.
Contenders For Recently Waived Raptors Veteran PJ Tucker
Looking at the teams that have space on their roster, there are quite a few that he could consider.
The Warriors, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and New York Knicks all have a legitimate chance of winning an NBA championship. Though they currently have their 15th roster spot filled, the Memphis Grizzlies, Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks can’t be disregarded. Even the Sacramento Kings are a reasonable enough option.
Based on those team’s current personnel, style and needs, here are the teams that are the best matches for him.
New York Knicks
The Knicks have an exceptional starting five but to bolster their roster, they could use a stretch-four with Tucker’s defensive toughness. Notably, the Knicks already have TJ Warren and Chuma Okeke –both of whom play for their G League affiliate —on a shortlist. While Warren is more regarded for his offense, Okeke is a plug-and-play forward. With that being said, Tucker’s reputation at the defensive end could give him the edge, as Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau is a highly regarded defensive coach. His 3-ball just makes it easier to slot into a lineup, as he can work off the gravity of their shot-creators and playmakers.
Golden State Warriors
With Butler and Draymond Green, the Warriors already have two elite frontcourt defenders. If they were to add Tucker, their frontcourt rotation would have three players whose reputation precedes them at that end. If Warriors head coach Steve Kerr wants guys that can strike fear into their opponents, Tucker is one of them. At the other end, his efficiency from outside allows him to complement Jonathan Kuminga, which only helps Golden State. However, because the Warriors’ offensive philosophy emphasizes 3s, it’s even more useful than it would be for other teams.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks will have to play without Bobby Portis until April. Though he’s more of a hybrid big than combo forward, their frontcourt depth has taken a hit and Kyle Kuzma has attempted to fill the void. The problem is that Kuzma’s gotten off to a rocky start in the Twin Cities. If Milwaukee was to sign Tucker, he could absorb some of the minutes that Kuzma plays while offering better defense and more reliable off-ball shooting. Kuzma’s shot-creation and playmaking gives him value regardless. However, Tucker’s skillset meshes better with that of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard when they’re on the court together.
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