Jordan Clarkson’s playoff performance with the Knicks could lead to a more lucrative contract. The Knicks signed Clarkson to a minimum contract last offseason, hoping he would elevate the bench.
Clarkson’s Playoff Impact
Even though his three-point shooting is still leaving much to be desired in the playoffs, Clarkson has still found ways to make an impact. The former 2014 second-rounder has shown that he isn’t afraid to get physical and drive the basket, as proven by his ranking fourth on the Knicks with 1.3 offensive rebounds per game. For reference, that’s a whopping 4.9 rebounds per 100 possessions, which is more than what Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging (4.3).
Clarkson’s time with the Knicks marks his deepest playoff run since he was with the 2017-18 Cavaliers.
Potential Free Agency Implications
That extended time in the postseason spotlight could cause him to seek a contract worth more than the minimum he played on this season. He’s turning 34 years old next month, so no one would blame him for chasing one last payday.
The Knicks are projected to rank 26th in available cap space and only have $3.5 million remaining for the first apron, per Spotrac. The Knicks’ success has altered the vibes around the Big Apple.
Clarkson didn’t look much like the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year in the regular season, averaging a career-low 8.6 points on .451/.327/.830 splits in 17.8 minutes per game.
The Knicks are officially two wins away from their first NBA Finals appearance in 27 years after beating up on the Cavaliers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday. The franchise’s ninth consecutive win was another example of the Knicks completely exceeding expectations this spring, leaving time to tell if head coach Mike Brown can continue rallying the troops for six more victories.