Mar 22, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Taj Gibson (67) reacts after a basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Former Knicks center Taj Gibson to sign with Wizards

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Jul 10, 2022 10:40 PM ET

Free-agent center Taj Gibson plans to sign a one-year contract with the Washington Wizards, per his agency, Priority Sports.

Taj Gibson plans to sign with the Washington Wizards once he clears waivers on Sunday, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Gibson was released today by New York and would give Washington an accomplished veteran big man.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 8, 2022

The New York Knicks released the 13-year veteran on Friday.

According to Josh Robbins of The Athletic, Gibson will sign for the minimum exception. Gibson will earn $2.9 million but only $1.8 million will count against the Wizards' salary cap.

Taj Gibson plans to sign with the Washington Wizards once he clears waivers on Sunday, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Gibson was released today by New York and would give Washington an accomplished veteran big man.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 8, 2022

Gibson joining the Wizards doesn't come as a surprise. The Athletic's Sham Charania was the first to report the deal last week.

Gibson spent the last three seasons with the Knicks. In 2021-22, Gibson averaged 4.4 points and 4.4 rebounds in 52 games for New York.

Over 159 games with the Knicks, Gibson averaged 5.3 points and 4.7 rebounds, playing just over 18 minutes a game.

The No. 26 pick in the first round of the 2009 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls, Gibson is four regular season games away from 900 for his career. He's played for the Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves and Knicks.

For his career, Gibson has averaged 9.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.0 blocks.

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

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