The 2025 NBA Finals are winding down, meaning the Houston Rockets' offseason is about to get busier shortly. The Ime Udoka-led team is coming off a monster 52-win performance last season, and the Rockets will spend the next few weeks figuring out how to capitalize on that momentum with free agent signings and draft selections.
As the Rockets and the other 29 teams focus on free agency and the 2025 NBA draft, some veteran players will be making important decisions regarding their future. The summer is when aging vets decide to hang up their sneakers, and one former Houston leader just revealed if he'll be calling it a career this offseason.
Former Rockets Forward P.J. Tucker Won't Retire This Offseason
Some NBA fans have been wondering if former Rockets forward P.J. Tucker will be retiring this offseason. The near-20-year veteran has been a well-respected role player throughout his career; however, he just turned 40 years old last month and is coming off a run with the New York Knicks where he only played for games between the regular season and playoffs.
Choosing not to let any retirement rumors get out of hand, Tucker took to social media on Wednesday to "set the record straight."
"Never have mentioned retirement or even given any indication that may be a thing," Tucker posted on an Instagram story while on vacation (h/t @TheDunkCentral). "I'm 40 years young, 100% healthy, able, and will continue playing the game I've dedicated my life to... Now carry on."
PJ Tucker says he’s NOT retiring
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 11, 2025
(h/t @BASKETBALLonX ) pic.twitter.com/UYcW5RR6IS
Even though the 2024-25 campaign was a rollercoaster ride, Tucker still has a burning desire to play in the NBA. The former Rocket began the season with the L.A. Clippers before being traded to the Utah Jazz on Feb. 1. He was then shipped to the Toronto Raptors five days later, only to be waived less than a month after that. All of that happened before he even made his season debut.
Following his being waived by the Raptors, Tucker joined the Knicks on a 10-day contract in March, which ultimately led to his signing a two-year deal with a 2025-26 team option.
During his time with New York, the former Texas Longhorn averaged 3.0 points and 2.7 rebounds while shooting 42.9% from the floor and 50.0% from deep in three appearances with a start. He didn't make a playoff impact, though, playing four scoreless minutes in his lone appearance.
It's nice to see Tucker being able to continue his terms, especially after being a locker room leader in Houston for parts of four seasons. He made 286 appearances (220 starts) with the Rockets during that span, averaging 6.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and .397/.365/.742 shooting splits.
Hopefully, Tucker will be active and healthy when the Knicks visit Toyota Center next season. That way Rockets fans can at least say goodbye to him one last time in case the 2025-26 campaign is his last.