In a move that could shake up the Eastern Conference landscape, veteran guard Jordan Clarkson is expected to sign with the New York Knicks after clearing waivers, sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic. The Knicks, who have been looking to solidify their backcourt depth and offensive versatility heading into the 2025-26 NBA season, are reportedly finalizing a deal that would bring the former Sixth Man of the Year to Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks’ front office, led by President Leon Rose and GM Scott Perry, has had its eyes on Clarkson for some time. With Clarkson expected to officially hit unrestricted free agency after clearing waivers, New York has emerged as the frontrunner for his services, beating out several interested contenders including the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Dallas Mavericks.
A Proven Scorer Joins the Garden
Jordan Clarkson, now 33, brings a well-established scoring pedigree and playoff experience to a Knicks team that’s been trending upward over the last few seasons. Averaging 17.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game in the 2024-25 campaign with the Utah Jazz, Clarkson remains one of the league’s premier bench scorers. His ability to create offense off the dribble, hit tough contested shots, and space the floor will be a major asset in Tom Thibodeau’s evolving offensive system.
Clarkson’s expected arrival gives the Knicks another dynamic option in their guard rotation, currently anchored by Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Miles McBride. His instant offense will provide much-needed relief and insurance behind Brunson, especially during long stretches or injury spells.
According to league sources, Clarkson is expected to agree to a two-year deal worth approximately $22 million, with a player option for the second season. The contract structure allows flexibility for both Clarkson and the Knicks, aligning with the team’s future cap and roster strategies.
Why New York?
Clarkson’s decision reportedly boiled down to opportunity, fit, and location. While teams like the Heat and Sixers presented win-now cases with star-studded rosters, the Knicks offered a more central role, a playoff-ready core, and the allure of playing on one of basketball’s biggest stages.
“Jordan’s looking for a team where he can make an impact and win,” a source close to Clarkson told The Athletic. “New York is hungry. He sees what Jalen Brunson has done. He sees how the city is alive again. This is a place where he can shine.”
The Knicks have transformed into a legitimate Eastern Conference threat behind the steady hand of Brunson, the emergence of Julius Randle, and Thibodeau’s defensive structure. Adding a player of Clarkson’s caliber enhances their ability to contend with the likes of Boston, Milwaukee, and Miami, who continue to stack their rosters with top-tier talent.
Knicks’ 2025-26 Outlook
The addition of Clarkson adds another layer to a team already stacked with depth, defensive tenacity, and offensive efficiency. After a disappointing second-round playoff exit last season to the Boston Celtics, the Knicks prioritized adding veteran shot creation, perimeter scoring, and playoff experience — three traits Clarkson checks off.
Projected Starting Five (Post-Clarkson Signing):
- PG: Jalen Brunson
- SG: Donte DiVincenzo
- SF: RJ Barrett
- PF: Julius Randle
- C: Mitchell Robinson
Key Bench Pieces:
- Jordan Clarkson
- Josh Hart
- Miles McBride
- Isaiah Hartenstein
- Jericho Sims
Thibodeau will have flexibility in staggering lineups, with Clarkson potentially anchoring second units or even closing games alongside Brunson and Barrett in three-guard sets. His high basketball IQ and ability to score in isolation will be critical in late-game situations — an area where the Knicks have sometimes stalled.
Clarkson also brings invaluable playoff experience. With over 60 career postseason games under his belt, including his stint with LeBron James’ Cavaliers during their 2018 NBA Finals run, Clarkson has proven he can handle the big moments. The Knicks, starved for postseason success, gain a clutch performer who embraces the spotlight.
How the Deal Came Together
Sources indicate that preliminary talks between Clarkson’s camp and the Knicks began several weeks ago when it became apparent that the Utah Jazz were entering full rebuild mode. Clarkson, with one year left on his contract, was waived in a cap-clearing move as Utah pivots toward a youth-centric development strategy.
Once the waiver news broke, league executives immediately pointed to New York as a prime landing spot. With cap space made available through minor trades and the recent departure of Evan Fournier, the Knicks were able to quickly maneuver financially and pitch Clarkson a defined role on a playoff-caliber team.
According to Shams Charania, the deal could be finalized within 48 hours of Clarkson clearing waivers, barring any last-minute change in interest from rival teams. However, league sources believe the Knicks are the “clear favorite” and that Clarkson is “enthusiastic” about joining the franchise.
A Culture Fit
Culture matters — especially in a market like New York. Clarkson’s swagger, fashion-forward image, and high-energy personality mesh perfectly with the Knicks’ rebranding as a gritty-yet-glamorous team on the rise. He’s also close friends with several NBA players who have either played under Thibodeau or currently suit up for the Knicks, including Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo.
“Jordan isn’t just coming to be a spark plug,” a league insider noted. “He’s coming to be a culture-setter — a guy who’s been through highs and lows and still competes every night.”
His locker room presence, easygoing nature, and leadership by example are expected to complement New York’s young core and stabilize the team in tense playoff atmospheres.
Knicks Fans React
Unsurprisingly, Knicks fans on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Reddit exploded with excitement once the report dropped.
“CLARKSON TO NYC?! Let’s goooooo MSG gonna be LIT this season.”
— @KnicksFan1995
“This is the scoring punch we needed. JC off the bench will be deadly. Leon Rose keeps making moves ”
— @NYKnicksCentral
“We getting buckets in the Garden all year long. Jalen & JC combo? Oh man.”
— @MadisonSquareElite
In a city where expectations are always high and patience is thin, the move is seen as another step toward legitimacy and championship contention.
What This Means for the East
Clarkson’s expected arrival in New York adds a new layer of competition in an already tight Eastern Conference. Teams like Boston and Milwaukee still sit atop the conference hierarchy, but the Knicks — with their blend of youth, experience, and depth — are quietly building a roster capable of making a deep playoff run.
With teams like Miami, Cleveland, and Philadelphia also making offseason moves, every addition counts. For the Knicks, Clarkson is more than a luxury — he’s a necessity.
Their biggest challenge will be balancing touches and minutes, especially with other high-usage guards on the roster. But Thibodeau’s reputation for getting the most out of his rotation could prove key in unlocking Clarkson’s best self in a new environment.
A Full Circle Moment
Jordan Clarkson’s NBA journey has been anything but conventional. From being a second-round pick in 2014 by the Washington Wizards (and traded to the Lakers), to becoming a staple of Utah’s offense, he’s carved out a path through hustle, creativity, and relentless scoring ability.
Now, over a decade into his professional career, Clarkson has the chance to make his biggest impact yet — under the bright lights of New York City. For a player who’s always thrived on rhythm and spotlight, Madison Square Garden may prove to be the perfect stage for a late-career renaissance.
Final Thoughts
If the deal goes through as expected, Jordan Clarkson will be one of the most significant offseason acquisitions for the New York Knicks. It’s a signing that speaks to the Knicks’ rising ambition — no longer just rebuilding or trying to make the playoffs, but truly aiming to compete for the Eastern Conference crown.
With Jordan Clarkson expected to don the orange and blue, the 2025-26 Knicks just became a lot more dangerous. And for the fans in New York, the message is clear:
