Knicks forward eager to reunite with former teammate in New York

Feb 26, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Heading into free agency, the New York Knicks were a team eager to make upgrades in an effort to stay in the title hunt. They'd end up making one move during the initial frenzy of signings, and it got a seal of approval from a key member of the roster. 

Leading up to the action kicking off Monday night, the Knicks were tied to a handful of guards in rumors. With their first signing of the summer, the front office was able to secure some backcourt depth behind Jalen Brunson. After working out a contract buyout with the Utah Jazz, veteran guard Jordan Clarkson is expected to join the Knicks once he clears waivers. 

Jordan Clarkson is expected to sign with the New York Knicks after he clears free agency waivers, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/I9PnQFZArw

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025

Clarkson has long been one of the league's best microwave scorers, and now will attempt to provide an offensive punch to the Knicks' second unit. Having a guard capable of creating offense in short stretches should help New York stay afloat when Brunson is on the bench. Having a viable option could help lessen the wear and tear the star guard goes through during the regular season as well. Last season for the Jazz, Clarkson averaged 16.2 PPG and 3.7 APG across 37 appearances. 

Among those who support the Knicks' free agency addition is forward Josh Hart. He took to Instagram to express his excitement about getting to play alongside Clarkson again in the NBA. The two were briefly teammates back in 2016 during Hart's rookie season with the LA Lakers. 

Josh Hart welcomes former teammate Jordan Clarkson to NY 🔥🗽 pic.twitter.com/c3KEA5LG7S

— The Strickland (@TheStrickland) July 1, 2025

Seeing that Hart was relegated to a bench role towards the end of last season, the two could be sharing a lot of time on the floor together in 2026. How the rotation shakes out will largely depend on who the Knicks decide to bring in to replace Tom Thibodeau as head coach. Nonetheless, the versatile wing appears eager to get to work with a familiar face.