Joining the Knicks was an easy decision for Jordan Clarkson after he reached a buyout agreement with Utah in early July, writes Stefan Bondy of The New York Post. The veteran guard explained the process during a taping of “The Roommates” podcast Saturday night with new teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart.
Clarkson said he was at the Wimbledon tennis tournament when his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, called to ask where he wanted to go. Clarkson picked New York, and Paul contacted the team to see if there was mutual interest.
“It all happened in two minutes,” Clarkson said. “Then I was a Knick.”
Heading into his 12th NBA season, Clarkson is joining an organization that gives him his best shot at winning a title. The Knicks are coming off an appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals and are considered by many to be the favorites in the East this season.
Clarkson said the passion of New York fans also played a major role in his decision.
“The arena (Madison Square Garden), honestly,” he said. “Feeling the energy from the fans. Knowing they’re going to let you have it if you’re playing like s–t. But when you’re playing great, it’s all love. At the end of the day, I just want to feel the energy. Get to play with y’all (Brunson and Hart).”
Brunson indicated that he and Clarkson have discussed teaming up in the past, telling the crowd at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park, “I’m not going to say when, but me and Jordan talked about this a while ago.”
Clarkson only appeared in 37 games last season with the Jazz, but he was still productive when he was on the court, averaging 16.2 PPG in 26 minutes per night while shooting 40.8% from the field and 36.2% from three-point range.
He’s a former Sixth Man of the Year, earning that honor with Utah during the 2020/21 season, and the Knicks will be counting on him to provide instant offense off the bench. Bondy points out that at age 33, Clarkson will be the oldest player in New York’s projected rotation.
“Y’all been doing great things over here,” he told Brunson and Hart. “I just want to come in here and enhance what y’all got going on.”
that is a no brainer if a top 4 team in the east wants to sign you why wouldn’t a player that wants a ring doesn’t sign with them.
Prediction: Clarkson will be one of the worst regulars in the league in 2025-26, and will be a big reason why the Knicks don’t win this year. He’s been washed the last 2 years already.
“…Clarkson is joining an organization that gives him his best shot at winning a title.”
I think OKC would disagree.
OKC has no roster spots available to bring in players.
His best shot at winning a title since he entered the league is what that means, buddy.
Ehh, don’t know if his chances are any better now than they were a few seasons back with Utah when he won 6th Man of the Year.