BREAKING: Jordan Clarkson Signs One-Year, $3.6 Million Deal with the New York Knicks After Clearing Waivers
BREAKING: Jordan Clarkson Signs One-Year, $3.6 Million Deal with the New York Knicks After Clearing Waivers
Veteran Scorer Joins LeBron James in the Big Apple, Reuniting in What Could Be a Lethal Backcourt Duo
By ØFFIXIAL DAHNIEL | July 13, 2025 | KickoffTrends Sports
In yet another significant roster move that has set the NBA world ablaze, veteran shooting guard Jordan Clarkson has officially signed a one-year, $3.6 million deal with the New York Knicks after clearing waivers, league sources confirm. This signing follows closely on the heels of LeBron James’ shocking trade to New York and further signals the Knicks’ aggressive push toward championship contention in the 2025–26 NBA season.
The 33-year-old Clarkson, a former Sixth Man of the Year and seasoned playoff performer, now links up with his former Lakers teammate LeBron James in what could become one of the most experienced and explosive backcourts in the Eastern Conference.
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🔄 Clarkson Clears Waivers, Finds a New Home in NYC
Clarkson was waived just three days ago by the Utah Jazz as part of a larger cap-clearing initiative. Though several teams reportedly expressed interest — including the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, and Sacramento Kings — sources say Clarkson prioritized both a chance to reunite with LeBron and to compete for a championship.
His deal with the Knicks is for $3.6 million, utilizing a portion of the team’s remaining mid-level exception, making it one of the best value signings of the offseason.
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🎤 Clarkson Speaks Out: “I’m Here to Win”
In his first official statement released through his agency, Clarkson expressed excitement about joining the Knicks and reuniting with LeBron.
> “This is a fresh start, a big opportunity. New York is a city that lives and breathes basketball. I’m here to hoop, to win, and to help bring a banner back to the Garden. Linking back up with Bron? That’s family. We’ve got unfinished business.”
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🗽 Knicks Go All-In
Clarkson is the second major backcourt addition for the Knicks this offseason. After the headline-grabbing acquisition of LeBron James via trade from the Los Angeles Lakers, New York’s front office has moved rapidly to build around their new core.
With Jalen Brunson traded earlier this month to create cap space, the Knicks were in desperate need of a reliable combo guard. Clarkson brings shot creation, three-point shooting, and veteran savvy — all traits the Knicks lacked off the bench last season.
Last season in Utah, Clarkson averaged:
17.2 points per game
4.3 assists
3.4 rebounds
35.8% from three
He also posted a season-high 38-point performance against the Denver Nuggets, reminding fans and scouts alike of his microwave scoring ability.
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🔁 LeBron & Clarkson: A Reunion Years in the Making
LeBron and Clarkson were last teammates in Cleveland during the 2017–2018 season, where they reached the NBA Finals. Though they fell short to the Golden State Warriors, the chemistry between the two guards was evident. Clarkson, at the time, was still developing. Now, he rejoins LeBron as a matured, polished scorer.
Insiders say LeBron personally endorsed the Clarkson signing and even spoke directly to Knicks executives and coaching staff about his belief that Jordan still had a lot left in the tank.
> “JC’s a bucket. He knows the game, he’s fearless, and he brings energy every night. This is going to be fun,” LeBron said, via Instagram Live.
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🧩 Knicks Depth Chart After Clarkson Signing
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Jordan Clarkson
SG: Quentin Grimes
SF: LeBron James
PF: Julius Randle
C: Mitchell Robinson
Key Bench Players:
Josh Hart
Donte DiVincenzo
Miles McBride
Isaiah Hartenstein
The Knicks now boast a deep, balanced roster with veteran leadership, young defensive talent, and versatile scoring.
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💰 The Business Impact: More Buzz, More Bucks
Clarkson’s signing, while not as seismic as LeBron’s arrival, adds fuel to the Knicks’ business boom. Madison Square Garden ticket prices continue to climb, and jersey sales for Clarkson’s likely No. 00 jersey are already trending in New York.
Knicks merchandise sales have surged more than 320% in the past 48 hours, according to Fanatics, with fans eager to grab anything associated with the LeBron-Clarkson era.
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💬 NBA Reactions
Stephen A. Smith: “It’s official — the Knicks are cooking. Jordan Clarkson? That man is instant offense. This ain’t the old Knicks. This is a different animal.”
Charles Barkley: “I still need to see how they defend, but offensively, they’ve got some firepower now.”
Shannon Sharpe: “JC with Bron again? MSG about to be must-see TV.”
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🔮 What’s Next for the Knicks?
The Knicks are reportedly not done yet. Sources say New York is still pursuing veteran frontcourt depth, with names like Serge Ibaka, Dwight Powell, and Tristan Thompson (another former LeBron teammate) on the radar.
In addition, New York may be exploring a sign-and-trade for another wing defender or backup point guard to round out the rotation.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau, long known for his defensive schemes, is said to be “energized and locked in” on building this team into a legitimate Finals contender.
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📝 Final Take
Jordan Clarkson’s arrival in New York may not carry the same global weight as LeBron’s move, but it sends a clear message: the Knicks are no longer building — they are ready to win now. With championship pedigree, veteran experience, and a coach who demands toughness, the Knicks have positioned themselves as legitimate contenders in the East.
Whether the reunion of LeBron James and Jordan Clarkson results in a parade down Broadway remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — Madison Square Garden will be rocking like never before.
Stay tuned with KickoffTrends Sports for full coverage of Knicks training camp, exclusive interviews, and updates on all the latest NBA free agency news.
