Jordan Clarkson expected to sign with Knicks in NBA free agency after Jazz buyout
Jordan Clarkson, the tattooed veteran guard, intends to sign with the Knicks as a low-cost scoring option off the bench, multiple sources told The Post. Clarkson was a late entry into the market after agreeing Monday to a buyout with the Jazz, forfeiting some of his $14.3 million salary to hit free agency and move to the NBA’s biggest market. Clarkson can finalize a deal after clearing waivers Wednesday. A source close to Clarkson said he’ll sign with the Knicks on a veteran’s minimum deal, saving New York its midlevel exception by going that route.A source said the Knicks plan on targeting a frontcourt player in free agency. Veteran center Al Horford, a recent champion with the Celtics, remains on the block for a presumed reasonable price. At 33, Clarkson’s best basketball is in the rearview but only three seasons ago averaged 20.8 points on a respectable 44.4% shooting.
He was also the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year in 2021 with the Jazz. Clarkson is a gunner who can score in bunches but is considered a weak defender.He creates his own shots in a way the other Knicks reserves cannot. Last season, however, was a disappointment for Clarkson, who shot just 40.8% as the Jazz fell to the bottom of the standings.
His value fell.Hence, the buyout. Clarkson is represented by Rich Paul and Klutch Sports, the agency with a turbulent history with the CAA-affiliated Knicks.
As The Post reported, Paul and Rose had a sitdown in early 2024 to hash out their differences.They obviously had to work together to finalize a Clarkson deal.While Clarkson was snagged Monday evening, several other low-cost free agents who were linked to the Knicks – Luke Kennard (Hawks), Tyus Jones (Magic), Bruce Brown (Nuggets), among others – signed elsewhere. Russell Westbrook was also rumored as a Knicks target, but a source said he’s unlikely to sign with no clear path to playing time. The expensive Knicks, with Karl-Anthony Towns as the top earner next season at ...