Knicks predicted to cut ties with injury-prone center for $28.4 million Jazz scorer | Sporting News

The New York Knicks completed a blockbuster trade for Karl-Anthony Towns in October, but they could make additional moves to keep them afloat in the Eastern Conference. 

If the Knicks want to add a natural-born microwave scorer, they should focus on a 32-year-old Utah Jazz veteran. 

“Alright, picture this: the Knicks snag Jordan Clarkson from the Jazz to fix one of their biggest problems this season—their bench scoring, which, let’s be real, has been pretty awful,” Fadeaway World’s Fran Leiva wrote Wednesday. 

“Right now, the Knicks’ bench is dead last in the league, averaging a measly 19.3 points per game.”

“That’s putting a ton of pressure on Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns to carry the load every single night. Clarkson, who’s been putting up 14.4 points a game this season, would bring that much-needed scoring punch off the bench, giving the Knicks some firepower when their starters need a breather.”

“For the Knicks, Clarkson’s ability to create his own shot and hit from deep would instantly make their bench more dangerous. No more waiting around for someone to score—Clarkson is that guy who can come in, heat up, and keep the offense rolling. Imagine him coming in and just going off in Madison Square Garden; Knicks fans would love it.”

The Knicks would trade Mitchell Robinson to the Jazz for Clarkson in Leiva’s compelling trade proposal.

Clarkson started all 79 games for the Los Angeles Lakers as a second-year pro, but for most of his career, he’s been an immediate impact second-unit contributor in the NBA.

Since entering the league in 2014, the Missouri product has averaged at least 11 points per contest and has never finished a season with a field goal percentage of less than 41.3%. 

Clarkson is averaging 14.4 points per contest this season on a non-competitive Jazz team. As a pull-up shooting specialist and confident isolation operator, there isn’t a shot Clarkson believes he can’t drill. 

With Robinson proving to be an injury-prone center who has yet to suit up for New York this season, Clarkson could become a legitimate trade target for a Knicks team that could use a spark plug or two off the bench. 

Clarkson should appear on the Knicks’ contact list if they are prepared to move on from Robinson after six seasons. 

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