During the 2025-2026 offseason, Jordan Clarkson was a major signing for the New York Knicks.
The Eastern Conference contenders didn’t have to break the bank on him, but he was a quality role player who was joining a stacked roster on a championship-hopeful team.
Clarkson had his struggles with the Knicks, even having a moment where he fell out of the rotation. As a handful of DNPs racked up–and playing time regressed–it’s worth asking if Clarkson wondered about a potential exit before or after the trade deadline back in February.
Clarkson addressed that idea months later.
Did Jordan Clarkson Consider Parting Ways With The Knicks?
GettySALT LAKE CITY, UT – MARCH 11: Jordan Clarkson #00 of the New York Knicks celebrates sinking a three-pointer during the second half against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on March 11, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
âNever,â Clarkson told The Athletic’s James Edwards.
âI was just going with the flow, staying locked in. I donât really think too far ahead. Whatever is in the moment is whatâs going on. I got out the mud, bro. I was a second-round pick, damn near undrafted. I just stick with the grind and stick with the process, try to find ways to impact the game. I only care about winning. I came here for the opportunity to play winning basketball.â
It took some time for Clarkson to get a regular role back. In March, Clarkson had a major revenge game against his former team in Utah, which sparked Mike Brown’s interest in rolling him out again to close out the season.
GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 16: Jordan Clarkson #00 of the New York Knicks reacts after hitting a 3-pointer against the San Antonio Spurs in the fourth quarter of the championship game of the Emirates NBA Cup at T-Mobile Arena on December 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Now, the Knicks are nine games into the playoffs, and Clarkson has had an appearance and a role in each game.
Through nine games, the 33-year-old guard has averaged 13.7 points per game.
Clarkson is shooting 48.9% from the field, averaging 6.4 points per game. While his role has been reduced in the playoffs, he remains a contributor for the Knicks as they steamroll through the Eastern Conference bracket.
Sunday’s Game 4 against the Philadelphia 76ers is an opportunity for the Knicks to sweep and punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second season in a row. For Clarkson, it would be just the second time in his career that he’s playing for a team in the Conference Finals.
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post Did a Knicks Rotation Gamble Nearly Lose a Key Player? appeared first on HEAVY.