The New York Knicks didn’t think much before jumping at the chance to sign a key veteran.
Even with a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the New York Knicks didn’t seem happy with the outcome.
As a result, the Knicks have made some key changes to the team, including replacing Tom Thibodeau with Mike Brown as head coach.
But what about changes to the roster? Well, the Knicks signed former LA Lakers star Jordan Clarkson on a one-year deal.
Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty ImagesJordan Clarkson reveals how he joined the New York Knicks
For nearly the last six seasons, Clarkson had been a member of the Utah Jazz. But with the Jazz now in a rebuilding phase, it’s only natural for the veteran to seek a move elsewhere to win an NBA Championship.
As a free agent, Clarkson revealed it took him all but ‘two minutes’ to finalize a deal with the Knicks. He was attending a Carlos Alcaraz matchup at Wimbledon when the phone call happened.
“I said, ‘I wanna come to New York.’ It all happened in two minutes. Then I was a Knick. The arena [MSG], honestly. Feeling the energy from the fans,” Clarkson said, via The New York Post.
He added: “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 [Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart].”
Clarkson has been a welcome addition to the Knicks‘ roster ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season. In fact, Josh Hart believes Clarkson brings exactly what the team needs right now.
Jordan Clarkson wants to ‘enhance’ the New York Knicks
At 33 years old, Clarkson has a wealth of NBA experience under his belt. As a veteran, his presence will bolster the Knicks’ bench next season.
Speaking of which, Clarkson also revealed what he plans to do for the team.
“Y’all been doing great things over here. I just want to come in here and enhance what y’all got going on,” Clarkson stated.
For his career, the 2020-21 NBA Sixth Man of the Year has averaged 16.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. The Knicks will expect a similar output from the veteran guard off the bench.