The New York Knicks made a significant move during the 2025-26 NBA offseason by signing Jordan Clarkson alongside Guerschon Yabusele, following their run to the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals. Clarkson, renowned for his Sixth Man of the Year award, joined the team on a cost-effective $3.6 million contract, a deal valued well below the market rate according to multiple insiders. This acquisition is widely viewed as a strategic effort to address the Knicks’ struggles with bench production.

Clarkson’s unselfish style and scoring ability have earned the respect of his new teammates, including Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson, both of whom expressed enthusiasm about the guard’s arrival. Hart highlighted Clarkson’s fit with the team culture and his ability to create shots, calling him a valuable asset on and off the court.

I mean, great dude, gonna fit right into the culture that we have, obviously. Someone that can create his own shot, can break down the defense, and we needed that at times last year, so he will be a great addition in terms of role and also as a locker room guy.

—Josh Hart, New York Knicks Guard

How Clarkson Addresses New York’s Bench Scoring Challenges

The Knicks faced noticeable struggles with their bench during the 2024-25 season, recording the lowest scoring second unit in the NBA. On average, New York’s bench contributed only 21.7 points per game, far behind the league-leading San Antonio Spurs, who scored 44.1 points from reserves. Eastern Conference rivals Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers also significantly outperformed the Knicks in this category.

This performance trend continued into the playoffs, where the Knicks’ bench produced just 15.8 points per game, ranking 15th out of 16 postseason teams. The expectation is that Clarkson’s talent as a reliable scorer will immediately improve the team’s bench output and overall offensive flexibility.

Jalen Brunson offered his perspective on Clarkson’s role, emphasizing the veteran’s positive reputation and strong support system.

I know him. I’m not as close with him as Josh, obviously, but I know him,

Brunson said.

I talked to him a little bit. Good dude. He surrounds himself with some good people whom I know. A great addition for us, sure.

—Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks Point Guard

Last season, with the Utah Jazz, Clarkson posted averages of 16.2 points and 3.7 assists off the bench, while shooting 36.2% from three-point range, demonstrating his scoring efficiency and ability to contribute in high-pressure situations.

Knicks Continue to Explore Roster Enhancements Beyond Clarkson

While the signings of Clarkson and Yabusele add valuable depth, the Knicks are still actively pursuing further improvements to their roster. NBA insider Jake Fischer revealed that New York remains interested in acquiring Ben Simmons, a former top overall draft pick known for his defensive skills and playmaking capabilities.

According to Fischer, both the New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings maintain active discussions about Simmons’ availability, keeping options open as the offseason progresses.

The two teams that we can report on that have ongoing interest in Ben Simmons are Sacramento and New York. That’s the last word we got as we’re leaving Las Vegas,

Fischer said during his Insider Notebook on Bleacher Report.

So, generally speaking, the Kings are still a player in the veteran guard market, and you can absolutely put Ben Simmons in that conversation, even though he’s obviously more of a hybrid player than Malcolm Brogdon, than [Russel] Westbrook, than Chris Paul.

—Jake Fischer, NBA Insider

With key rivals such as the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers sidelining franchise players Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton due to Achilles injuries, the Knicks’ odds to reach the 2026 NBA Finals have surged. New York is currently favored alongside the Cleveland Cavaliers to represent the Eastern Conference, capitalizing on their breakout performance last season.

Implications of Clarkson’s Arrival and Future Moves for Knicks’ Championship Pursuit

The acquisition of Jordan Clarkson addresses a critical vulnerability for the Knicks by bolstering a historically weak bench scoring unit. His ability to generate offense and blend into the team’s culture makes him an immediate asset as New York aims to build on last season’s Eastern Conference Finals appearance.

Combined with the possibility of adding versatile players like Ben Simmons, the Knicks are constructing a deep and balanced roster capable of competing at a championship level. These strategic moves reflect a commitment to sustained success and a stronger title contention heading into the 2025-26 season.