Jordan Clarkson to sign with Eastern Conference contender

Jordan Clarkson will sign with the Knicks once he clears waivers on Wednesday evening, reports NBA insider Chris Haynes (via X).

The Knicks have been expected to target Jordan Clarkson since news broke that he would be waived by the Jazz, writes Steve Popper of Newsday Sports (X link). Clarkson agreed to a buyout with the Jazz earlier today. Ian Begley of SNY confirms Popper’s report, saying that Clarkson had been considered a priority signing for the Knicks. Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reported that the deal would likely be for the veteran’s minimum, around $3.6M.

Clarkson averaged 16.2 points and 3.7 assists for the Jazz last season while shooting 36.2% from three. He played a career-low 37 games, with his season impacted both by injuries and by Utah’s tanking efforts.

The 2021 Sixth Man of the Year has been in Utah for over five seasons, with his best year coming in 2022-23, when he averaged 20.8 points, 4.4 assists, and 4.0 rebounds. While he holds a career average of 2.9 assists per game, he became a better playmaker with the Jazz, whose point guard rotation was up-and-down during his tenure. He has averaged 4.5 assists to 2.7 turnovers over his last three seasons.

Clarkson brings a much-needed dose of ball-handling off the bench to the Knicks, whose reliance on star point guard Jalen Brunson at times left the team vulnerable to intense ball-pressure. A capable shot-creator, Clarkson will pair with fifth-year shooting guard Miles McBride to firm up the Knicks’ bench depth as they look to build on last year’s Eastern Conference Finals run.