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NY Knicks: 1 free agent target on every Northwest division team

By Jeffrey Bellone

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 06: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 06, 2020 in New York City. Oklahoma City Thunder defeats the New York Knicks 126-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 06: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 06, 2020 in New York City. Oklahoma City Thunder defeats the New York Knicks 126-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 23: Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz reacts after being charged with a foul during the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets in Game Four of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 23, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Potential Knicks free agent targets: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz

The player everybody wants to become a Knick is likely going to sign an extension in Utah this offseason: Donovan Mitchell. But since that extension won’t officially kick in until 2021-22, the Jazz should have a little bit of breathing room to operate as a team over the cap but below the luxury tax threshold and with Bird rights to retain their top free agents.

For the Knicks, there aren’t any realistic options for targets in free agency, unless you are excited about the idea of bringing Emmanuel Mudiay back to New York. Which I suppose you might be after I mention the other option that is Jordan Clarkson. The 28-year-old became a key bench piece for Utah after arriving from Cleveland last season. He averaged over 15 points per game while shooting 36 percent from deep during his time with the Jazz.

Utah has Clarkson’s Bird rights, so they can exceed the cap to re-sign him, and could be motivated to do so. However, it might also make sense to let him walk so Utah can maintain long-term cap flexibility as they consider extensions for both Mitchell and Rudy Gobert.

I don’t think the Knicks would look to add Clarkson this offseason. He is a little old for their rebuild window. And while he adds shooting, they could use their cap dollars to attract shooting at other positions of need, rather than at shooting guard. Clarkson doesn’t do enough at point to merit bringing him in for an upgrade there.

Since Mike Conley will surely exercise his $34.5 million player option and there aren’t any other free agent options to speak of, we highlight Clarkson, realizing he is far from an ideal target.

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