When New York turned down the team option on Taj Gibson’s 2020-21 contract in November, there was a mutual interest in a Gibson returning to the team.
The Knicks didn’t sign Gibson again in the off-season. But they’re still keeping an eye on him. The Knicks recently touched base with Gibson, according to SNY sources, and are among the teams that keep Gibson on their radar. Some contenders also have Gibson, an 11-year veteran, on their radar, SNY sources say.
Some of the Knicks like the idea of bringing Gibson due to the role he played on and off the pitch for New York last season. Gibson was seen as a mentor to Mitchell Robinson.
Gibson also has a long history with Knicks manager Tom Thibodeau. He played for Thibodeau in Chicago and Minnesota.
To sign Gibson, the Knicks would have to forgo a player on the 15-man roster. New York currently has two centers on the roster (Robinson and Nerlens Noel). But Noel has missed the last two games with ankle and knee injuries. His availability for Friday’s match is unclear. Great striker Omari Spellman also missed much of the season due to a knee ailment.