Knicks Have Interest in Jazz G Jordan Clarkson Ahead of Trade Deadline
Many around the league continue to have their eyes on the Utah Jazz ahead of the trade deadline. Even after solidifying themselves firmly within the Western Conference Play-In race, a few teams are holding out hope that this front office may be willing to sell off a few of their veteran pieces.
One of those teams happens to be the New York Knicks, after making the previous acquisition of OG Anunoby, this team may not be done with building a contending roster to compete in the East.
According to a report via NBA insider Marc Stein’s substack, the Knicks have interest in several guards around the trade market, including Jazz G Jordan Clarkson:
"Word is that the Knicks have a level of interest in Utah’s Jordan Clarkson as well as a trio of guards they have been linked to previously: Portland’s Malcolm Brogdon, Charlotte’s Terry Rozier, and Detroit’s Alec Burks (a recent Knicks alumnus).:
For a team like the Knicks, who just traded away their primary bench producer in Immanuel Quickley, bringing in a player who can provide a similar role as a spark plug could prove to be a worthwhile addition. Clarkson has looked great for the Jazz since returning to his sixth-man roll off the bench. In his 15 games back from injury, he’s averaged 20.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists on 44.6/34.4/93.9 splits.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen New York see some intrigue in one of Utah’s veterans around the deadline, with reports connecting them to big man Kelly Olynyk earlier this month. If the Jazz wanted to make a move on their roster in the coming weeks, it seems like finding suitors to work with could be fairly simple.
The structure of a hypothetical deal would likely have to include the contract of Evan Fournier, along with some added value. It wouldn’t be shocking to see a guy like Quentin Grimes be included in this framework, considering the Jazz had some reported interest just last week.
Depending on which direction Utah wants to go for the next four months of the season could ultimately sway the decision on a move surrounding Clarkson. If they wanted to emphasize getting their young talent some experience, it’s much more plausible to see JC shipped away as a result. However, if this team remains competitive in the West standings, it may be a bit harder to do so.
As the February 8th cutoff gets near, expect to see some chatter involving Danny Ainge and his approach on how to take this Jazz team to its next steps.
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