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Knicks Trade Rumors: Realistically available targets to upgrade perimeter

By Maxwell Ogden

DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 9: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks on January 9, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 9: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks on January 9, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 11: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a shot between Pau Gasol #16 and Manu Ginobili #20 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Staples Center on January 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 11: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a shot between Pau Gasol #16 and Manu Ginobili #20 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Staples Center on January 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Jordan Clarkson, Los Angeles Lakers

Position: Combo Guard
Age: 25 (6/7/1992)
Experience: Fourth Season
Slash Line: .440/.329/.760
Season Averages: 22.7 MPG, 13.5 PPG, 3.0 APG, 2.8 RPG, 0.7 SPG, 1.2 3PM

If the New York Knicks are hoping to acquire a perimeter player who can create consistent penetration, Jordan Clarkson may be the answer. He’s struggled defensively, but he’s the perfect sixth man if one were to isolate offense as a player in said role’s true value.

The Knicks are attempting to build a defensive-minded culture, but if Clarkson is willing to buy in, he’d be the perfect addition to this young core.

Clarkson, who’s still just 25 years of age, is an improving offensive player signed to a long-term deal. He’s due to receive $12.5 million during the 2018-19 NBA season, and is owed $13,437,500 for the 2019-20 campaign.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Los Angeles Lakers would like to trade Clarkson in order to clear cap space for the summer of 2018.

"The Los Angeles Lakers, needing to shed salary for summer free agency, had been hopeful of waiting until the end of the season to move Jordan Clarkson — owed $26 million beyond this season — but there’s a mutual desire to find something sooner than later."

For a player who would likely be the Knicks’ first guard off the bench, that salary would be easy to stomach.

As for what makes Clarkson special, he’s a crafty dribble penetrator who finishes with volume and efficiency near the rim. He’s also a capable shooter and facilitator, albeit with less than desirable efficiency in both regards.

If the Knicks could flip the rights to the Chicago Bulls’ second-round draft pick and a player who isn’t viewed as essential to the long-term vision for Clarkson, it may be worth it.

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