Knicks Veteran Guard Falls Out of Rotation Amid Looming NBA Trade Deadline
With the NBA Trade Deadline set for February 5th, the New York Knicks appear positioned to be buyers as they continue to fine-tune a roster built to contend in the Eastern Conference. Multiple reports have indicated that New York is actively seeking additional depth, particularly off the bench. Since returning from a right shoulder sprain, Landry Shamet has reinserted himself into head coach Mike Brown’s rotation, consistently logging around 15 minutes plus per night. At the same time, veteran guard Jordan Clarkson, a former Sixth Man of the Year Award winner, has seen his role diminish significantly. When players of Clarkson’s pedigree fall out of a rotation, it often signals trade discussions behind the scenes. With the Knicks riding a modest win streak and eyeing another wing or big man for postseason depth, moving Clarkson, who has been forced to play out of position on the wing at times, could ultimately benefit both parties.
Throughout his NBA career, Clarkson has carved out a reputation as a reliable offensive spark, dating back to his rookie season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Whether starting or coming off the bench, he has consistently provided scoring punch. This season, however, tells a different story. In 44 appearances, the veteran guard is averaging career lows in minutes, points, rebounds, and assists, following a down year with the Utah Jazz due to injury. Despite the statistical decline, he signed with New York on a minimum-salary deal over the offseason, taking a financial sacrifice in hopes of competing for his first NBA Championship. That decision underscored his willingness to adapt, but his reduced role has limited his ability to make a consistent impact within the Knicks’ current structure.
Recently, Brown has leaned heavily into an eight-man rotation, emphasizing Shamet, Miles McBride, and Mitchell Robinson as the primary contributors off the bench. Clarkson played just two minutes in a loss to the Dallas Mavericks and did not see the floor in a win against the Philadelphia 76ers. Still, he made it clear to reporters that he believes he has more to give, stating, “I know I got a lot left in the tank.” That confidence has defined Clarkson’s career, but the trend in New York mirrors what has happened with other veterans as forward Guerschon Yabusele has also fallen out of the rotation, thinning frontcourt depth. With the Knicks linked to role players such as Jose Alvarado, Yves Missi, Naji Marshall, and Jeremy Sochan, Clarkson’s expiring value and experience could make him a logical trade chip in potential deals.
Following a players-only meeting led by captain Jalen Brunson, the Knicks responded with dominant wins over the Brooklyn Nets and the 76ers, briefly stabilizing their position in the standings. Still, after being leapfrogged by the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference, urgency remains high as the NBA All-Star Break approaches. A trade sending Clarkson to a team in need of veteran scoring off the bench feels increasingly likely, potentially making New York the shortest stop in his career. For a Knicks team chasing more than just “good,” sacrifices may be necessary. If New York truly wants to position itself for a deep run in the NBA Playoffs, parting ways with Clarkson could be the calculated move that helps transform a contender into a championship-caliber roster.
