PJ Tucker Announces Retirement From NBA on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated May 7, 2026 10:05 PM ET

Longtime NBA journeyman PJ Tucker has not played in the league since the 2024-25 season with the New York Knicks. Tucker appeared in three games for the Knicks that season and was mostly on the bench. However, the forward became a free agent after the season when New York chose not to exercise his club option.

Since the season ended, the 41-year-old forward has not played for a team. After more than a year, Tucker addressed the future of his career in the NBA on his Thursday post on Instagram. The one-time champion announced his retirement from the NBA, capping his 14-year career in the league.

Although he's retiring from the league, Tucker hinted that he isn't done playing basketball. However, he did not elaborate on what he plans to do in the future regarding his career.

"20 years getting paid for it but 40 plus years of not being able to fathom doing anything other than it. So here’s to retiring from the NBA… because I will NEVER stop ballin " Tucker posted.

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In his NBA career, Tucker has bounced around and joined different teams. He played for the Knicks, Toronto Raptors, Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns. In 2021, he played an important role with the Bucks and helped them win the NBA championship.

Current And Former NBA Players Congratulated PJ Tucker's Retirement

Former Los Angeles Clippers forward P.J. Tucker (17)© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Tucker was never a star in the NBA. However, his grit and hard work became his bread and butter, and the teams he played for relied on him to do the dirty work. After he announced his retirement, active and former players congratulated him on Instagram.

"Helluva career Champ! Welcome to the other side! Bigger and better things coming for you brotha ! Congrats on a great career ! 1st Team All Defense ☝" Tucker's former Phoenix Suns teammate Jared Dudley commented.

New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns also commented on his career news. They played together for one season.

"Salute to a real OG " Towns wrote.

Russell Westbrook did not forget his time playing with Tucker. Westbrook and the recently retired NBA player had two stints as teammates. First was with the Rockets (2019-20), the next was with the Clippers (2023-24).

"My dog!! Congratulations my brother!! Real 1," Westbrook said.

For a role player, Tucker carved out a great career that led him to win a championship and earn approximately $90.5 million.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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