Jordan Clarkson started his NBA career in one megamarket, and now he may be heading to the other.
Veteran NBA writer Marc Stein said in a post on his Substack this week that the Knicks have some interest in acquiring Utah Jazz guard Clarkson before the trade deadline. Stein also notes the Knicks’ interest in a trio of other guards they have been linked to in the past: Malcolm Brogdon (Portland), Terry Rozier (Charlotte) and Alec Burks (Detroit).
Clarkson, the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year in 2021, would be an especially interesting accomplishment. He is having a very strong season in Utah at age 31, averaging a career-high 17.9 points and 5.2 assists per game off the bench. Clarkson will be under contract through 2026 and will earn $14.1 million in each of the next two seasons. He also began his career with the Los Angeles Lakers as a teammate of current Knicks star Julius Randle.
The Knicks need a sixth man with some scoring power after trading Immanuel Quickley to Toronto as part of the OG Anunoby deal. Clarkson would be able to work alongside bench mates Miles McBride (a true point guard) and Josh Hart (who operates as a forward). Meanwhile, the Knicks may be able to send Utah a package based on this talented young man who they are actively working to trade right now.