NEW YORK – Jordan Clarkson appears set to join the New York Knicks once he clears free agency waivers. Stefan Bondy of the New York Post confirmed, “Assuming he clears waivers and deal is finalized, the Knicks would be getting Jordan Clarkson for the vet’s minimum.” Signing Jordan Clarkson signals a clear effort by the Knicks to address the team’s bench struggles. Clarkson, 33, averaged 16.2 points and 3.7 assists with the Utah Jazz last season. He remains one of the NBA’s most reliable bench scorers.
Knicks Set To Land Former Sixth Man To Solve Bench Woes
Clarkson Brings Needed Scoring Punch
Clarkson won NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2021 and has consistently delivered instant offense. His arrival will help ease the burden on star guard Jalen Brunson. Last season, Brunson carried the ball for a league-high 8.6 minutes per game.
If finalized, the Jordan Clarkson’s deal provides the Knicks with a trusted scorer who can run the offense when Brunson rests. Clarkson may even close games alongside Brunson when the Knicks need another shot creator.
The Knicks bench, which ranked last in the NBA in points last season, desperately needs Clarkson’s scoring touch. He creates his own shots in a way the other Knicks reserves cannot.
Why Utah Moved On
Utah Jazz fans knew this day was coming. Clarkson was the last link to the Jazz’s previous playoff core. He agreed to a buyout, giving up part of his $14.3 million salary to become a free agent.
Utah’s rebuild is in full swing after drafting guards Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr. Clarkson’s departure clears space for their development. For New York, it’s a low-cost win. Jordan Clarkson’s addition will come at the veteran’s minimum, saving the Knicks midlevel exception for other moves.
A Fresh Chapter in New York
Clarkson, once a young Laker, then a Cavaliers contributor, now finds himself heading to basketball’s biggest stage. He joins a Knicks bench likely to include Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson. If healthy, Clarkson can lift this second unit from the league’s basement in scoring.
New York’s front office plans to use its remaining resources to chase a frontcourt player. Veterans like Al Horford have emerged as possible fits. But for now, Jordan Clarkson’s signing stands as a major early step in reshaping a top-heavy Knicks rotation.
Cautious Optimism
At 33, Clarkson’s best years may be behind him. He averaged 20.8 points just three seasons ago but dipped to 40.8% shooting last year as Utah fell in the standings. That decline explains the buyout and bargain price.
He remains, however, a proven microwave scorer. For a Knicks team that needs bench punch, Clarkson brings value beyond the box score. Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, who represents Clarkson, reportedly initiated talks with the Knicks.
The Knicks’ Next Moves
The franchise moves ahead without a permanent head coach, having parted ways with Tom Thibodeau after a strong postseason run. Clarkson’s arrival should ease the transition for whoever takes the helm next.
If Jordan Clarkson’s deal works out, the Knicks’ thin bench could transform into a strength. The Knicks aim to build on their Eastern Conference Finals appearance and return deeper, tougher, and better prepared to lighten Brunson’s load.
Clarkson’s official signing is expected once he clears waivers on Wednesday. If all goes as planned, the Knicks will welcome a former Sixth Man winner ready to bring his scoring spark to Madison Square Garden.
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