Veteran Clarkson Stays with Knicks
Knicks Re-Sign Veteran Jordan Clarkson for One-Year Deal, Bolstering Bench Depth for Finals Run
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Key Points
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The Knicks currently have 13 players under contract and are one short of the standard 14-man roster, with complexity around temporarily dipping to 13 and second-apron considerations.
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Mitchell Robinson is the only main rotation player from last year's title team to depart, with Ariel Hukporti also leaving the roster.
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Clarkson appeared in all 18 of the Knicks' playoff games last season and averaged 10.8 minutes per playoff game, highlighting his postseason role off the bench.
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A Knicks coach described Clarkson as 'one of the leaders of the team,' adding that true leaders aren’t afraid to tell the truth and hold teammates accountable.
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Clarkson is a 34-year-old veteran entering his 13th NBA season and is a former Sixth Man of the Year (2021) with the Jazz, underscoring his veteran presence for a team chasing back-to-back Finals.
The New York Knicks have re-signed Jordan Clarkson to a one-year, $3.9 million veteran minimum deal, bringing back a key bench piece from their first championship in five decades, according to NBC Sports and Newsday. Clarkson, 34, appeared in all 72 regular-season games and all 18 playoff games last season off the bench.
The move keeps the Knicks under the second apron — the NBA's strictest payroll threshold — while adding a proven veteran for their 2026-27 title defense, Empire Sports Media reported. Clarkson averaged 8.6 points in 17.8 minutes per game during the regular season.
Clarkson's Playoff Role Made the Decision Easy
Clarkson did not just fill a roster spot last season. He played in every single one of the Knicks' 18 playoff games, averaging 10.8 minutes per game off the bench, according to NBC Sports. That kind of postseason reliability is hard to replace.
Rolling Out noted that Clarkson evolved beyond his scoring role this past season. He became a stronger on-ball defender and rebounder. A Knicks coach called him 'one of the leaders of the team,' adding that true leaders 'aren't afraid to tell the truth' and hold teammates accountable. That kind of veteran voice matters on a team chasing back-to-back titles.
Staying Under the Second Apron Drives the $3.9M Choice
The second apron is the NBA's hard spending ceiling. Teams that cross it face severe penalties — including limits on trades and draft picks. The Knicks chose a cheap, short-term deal for Clarkson specifically to stay under that line, Empire Sports Media reported.
New York currently has 13 players under contract — one short of a standard 14-man roster. Clarkson's $3.9 million deal leaves just enough room to add one more low-cost contract without triggering apron penalties. The strategy keeps the team flexible heading into 2026-27.
Title Core Stays Intact With Only Two Key Departures
The Knicks lost very little from their championship roster. Mitchell Robinson is the only main rotation player to leave, along with big man Ariel Hukporti, according to NBC Sports. Nearly every other key contributor from the title run is returning.
Clarkson fits the team's goal of continuity. He is a former NBA Sixth Man of the Year — winning the award in 2021 with the Utah Jazz — and is entering his 13th NBA season. Rolling Out noted his Filipino American identity also carries cultural meaning for a diverse fan base. His return signals the Knicks are betting on the same chemistry that won them a ring.
One Roster Spot Remains as Knicks Build Toward 2026-27
With Clarkson signed, the Knicks sit at 13 players. They still have room for one more cheap contract, Empire Sports Media reported. The front office is working to fill that final slot without pushing the team over the second apron threshold.
The Knicks are not looking to rebuild. They are looking to repeat. Every move this offseason has been about keeping the title-winning group together and adding only what fits. Clarkson's return, at $3.9 million, is the clearest sign yet of that plan in action, according to Yahoo Sports.
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