Taj Gibson, Knicks Rework Deal, Agree To Two Years

The Knicks and veteran forward/center Taj Gibson have decided to rearrange the terms of a previously agreed contract, agent Mark Bartelstein told Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

This works out well for Gibson, who had initially agreed to a one-year deal. His contract will instead call for two years and $10.1 million, Wojnarowski reported.

Gibson, 36, also spent time with Tom Thibodeau with the Bulls and Timberwolves, and is said to be a favorite of the coach.

He played for the Knicks in 2019-20, then re-signed in January of 2021, becoming a regular contributor in the frontcourt. Overall, Gibson averaged 5.4 points and 5.6 rebounds as New York made a run to the playoffs.

Gibson became the fourth member of last season’s team to commit to a return, joining poit guard Derrick Rose, center Nerlens Noel and guard/forward Alec Burks.

The Knicks are also acquired former Celtics guard/forward Evan Fournier in a sign-and-trade arrangement that landed Fournier a four-year contract.

“It’s a win-win for Gibson, who gets rewarded for his locker-room leadership over the last two seasons, and for the Knicks, who will now have a more tradable contract on the books without sacrificing any real cap flexibility,” wrote Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors.