Knicks return, Heat signing on the table for Jordan Clarkson
NEW YORK, United States — Jordan Clarkson made history this month by becoming the first NBA player of Filipino heritage to win a championship.
Now, the veteran guard finds himself at another crossroads.
Fresh off helping the New York Knicks end a 53-year title drought, Clarkson enters free agency weighing a return to the defending champions against the possibility of a fresh start elsewhere.
One intriguing option has already emerged.
According to the Miami Herald, the Miami Heat are considering Clarkson as a potential veteran minimum signing after emerging as the winners of the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. The Heat are looking to replenish a backcourt depleted by the blockbuster trade that brought the two-time NBA MVP to South Beach.
For Clarkson, the interest arrives at a pivotal stage of his career.
Championship ring changed the conversation
Clarkson's first season in New York was statistically the quietest of his 13-year NBA career.
The former NBA Sixth Man of the Year averaged career lows of 8.6 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists while shooting 31.8% from 3-point range across 72 regular-season games. He slipped in and out of Mike Brown's rotation before settling into a limited role during the playoffs.
But the numbers only tell part of the story.
Clarkson appeared in 18 postseason games as the Knicks captured their first NBA championship since 1973, providing veteran leadership for a locker room built to contend. In doing so, he became the first NBA player with Filipino heritage to win a championship, adding a landmark achievement to an already distinguished career.
Knicks still have a path to bring him back
A return to New York remains a realistic possibility.
The New York Post reported that the Knicks have not ruled out re-signing Clarkson as they navigate the financial restrictions of the NBA's second apron.
That cap crunch could ultimately work in Clarkson's favor.
With Landry Shamet and Mitchell Robinson expected to command significantly larger contracts in free agency, Clarkson's projected veteran minimum salary makes him one of the more affordable options for a team determined to keep its championship core intact.
Clarkson has also made it clear he would welcome another run.
Following the title-clinching victory over the San Antonio Spurs, he joked with a longtime Spurs arena employee that the Knicks would be returning to the same visitors' locker room next season.
"We're gonna come right back to this locker room and do it all again," Clarkson said.
Miami offers a different opportunity
The Heat, however, may be able to offer something New York cannot: a larger role.
After reshaping their roster around Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, Miami is searching for experienced backcourt depth. Clarkson's ability to create offense and score in bunches off the bench has long been one of his trademarks, making him a logical low-cost target.
A move to South Beach would also create another historic Filipino basketball connection.
Clarkson, the first NBA player of Filipino heritage to win a championship, would join forces with Erik Spoelstra, the first coach of Filipino heritage to win an NBA title and the only one to capture multiple NBA championships. Together, they would represent two of the most accomplished Filipino figures in league history on the same team.
Where Clarkson lands won't change what he accomplished in New York.
His championship ring has already secured his place in Philippine basketball history.
His next decision, however, could determine whether he spends next season defending a title with the Knicks — or pursuing another one alongside Spoelstra and a retooled Heat team built around Antetokounmpo.
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Alder Almo is a former senior sportswriter for Philstar.com and NBA.com Philippines. He is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey, and writes for US-based publication Heavy.com.
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