The New York Knicks are working the phones again, and their focus is clear: they’re looking to upgrade their backcourt depth. That’s not just a sign of ambition-it’s a red flag for Jordan Clarkson.
Clarkson, one of the more trusted reserves in Mike Brown’s rotation so far, suddenly finds himself in a precarious position. The Knicks are reportedly eyeing a reunion with Donte DiVincenzo and have expressed interest in Jose Alvarado-two guards who bring very different skill sets from Clarkson, but whose potential arrival speaks volumes about how the organization views his role moving forward.
Let’s break this down.
The Knicks’ Guard Situation: A Crowded Room Gets Tighter
Tyler Kolek has seen some extra run lately due to Landry Shamet’s absence, but the Knicks have made it clear he’s not a staple in the rotation. He’s more of a developmental piece than a trusted contributor at this stage. So while DiVincenzo and Alvarado could be seen as competition for Kolek, the real impact would likely be felt by Clarkson.
Clarkson’s usage has been meaningful-he’s played real minutes and been leaned on as a secondary scorer off the bench. But the Knicks’ rumored targets suggest they’re no longer sold on him being the answer behind Jalen Brunson.
Deuce McBride? He’s safe.
His role is clearly defined: a defensive disruptor and spot-up shooter, not a floor general. And he’s been living up to that billing.
Clarkson, on the other hand, is expected to handle the ball, create offense, and provide scoring pop. Lately, he hasn’t done enough of that.
He’s shooting under 30% from three this season and has barely cracked 40% on two-point attempts over his last seven games. That’s not going to cut it for a team with playoff aspirations.
Why DiVincenzo and Alvarado Make Sense
Neither DiVincenzo nor Alvarado brings Clarkson’s level of shot creation, but that might be the point. The Knicks have struggled to generate offense when Clarkson shares the floor without Brunson. That’s led to more lineups featuring both guards together-but relying on Clarkson to function only when paired with Brunson defeats the purpose of having a secondary ball-handler in the first place.
Alvarado and DiVincenzo, meanwhile, bring different strengths. Alvarado’s defensive tenacity and ability to set the table for others would give the Knicks a more balanced second-unit look.
DiVincenzo offers floor spacing, energy, and familiarity with the system. Neither one is a perfect replacement for Clarkson, but both might be better fits for what New York needs right now.
The Trade Math: Clarkson’s Contract Could Make Him Expendable
Beyond the on-court concerns, Clarkson’s contract situation adds another layer to this. His league-minimum deal becomes trade-eligible on December 15, and that makes him a very movable piece-especially if the Knicks need to match salaries in a deal.
If New York is chasing a player making more than Guerschon Yabusele, Clarkson could be the odd man out simply to make the numbers work. Even in smaller deals-say, for someone like Alvarado, who’s earning $4.5 million-Clarkson could be packaged with another young piece like Pacome Dadiet to get a deal across the finish line.
Landry Shamet could be a trade candidate too, but the front office may prefer to hold onto him despite his shoulder injury. His contract offers more upside in terms of value once he’s healthy, and the Knicks might not be ready to cut bait just yet.
The Bottom Line: Clarkson’s Future Is Uncertain
All of this doesn’t guarantee that Clarkson is on his way out. He could turn things around, start hitting shots again, and force the coaching staff to keep him in the mix. The Knicks could also pivot in another direction if trade talks stall or other needs emerge.
But right now, the writing’s on the wall. The Knicks are actively looking to reshape their guard rotation, and Clarkson’s recent play hasn’t given them many reasons to keep him locked into a key role. Whether it’s a minutes reduction or a trade, the pressure is on.
For Clarkson, it’s not just about keeping his spot in the rotation anymore-it’s about staying on the roster.