Knicks’ Pursuit of Sharpshooter Could Complicate Jordan Clarkson’s Role
The New York Knicks may be preparing to chase one of the NBA’s elite shooters — but doing so could immediately put pressure on their newest addition. With Malik Beasley reportedly cleared to resume free agency, the Knicks have emerged as a potential suitor. While adding Beasley would supercharge New York’s three-point attack, it could also mean trouble for Jordan Clarkson, who only just joined the team.
Knicks Among Teams Eyeing Malik Beasley
Following reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania that Beasley is no longer the subject of a federal gambling investigation, interest in the 28-year-old guard has quickly heated up. SNY’s Ian Begley and Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer both confirmed that the Knicks are in the mix.
Beasley’s appeal is obvious. He has established himself as one of the premier catch-and-shoot specialists in the NBA, drilling 43.1 percent of his looks off the catch last season. More importantly, he fires away at an eye-popping volume — 9.3 attempts per game, three more than any current Knick. Adding that level of shooting would instantly diversify New York’s offense, especially off the bench.
A Crowded Backcourt
But every addition comes with a cost, and the Knicks already shook up their backcourt this summer by signing Clarkson after his buyout with the Utah Jazz. Clarkson is a proven scorer and creator, exactly the type of bench weapon New York was missing last season when its second unit ranked dead last in both minutes and points.
With Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges locked in as starters and Deuce McBride tracking toward backup point guard duties, the rotation already feels tight. If Beasley enters the picture, Clarkson seems like the most likely player to see his role squeezed.
Why Clarkson Could Lose Minutes
Clarkson thrives when given the freedom to create his own offense. He’s a former Sixth Man of the Year whose game revolves around breaking defenders down and manufacturing points when the starters rest. The Knicks signed him to plug that exact hole.
However, Beasley overlaps some of that value while also bringing a specialized skill set — elite floor spacing. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands to impact the game. Instead, he thrives alongside stars, punishing defenses that collapse on Brunson or Towns. That makes him an easier fit in a complementary role, which could naturally push Clarkson down the pecking order.
Beasley’s Underrated Shot-Creation
While Beasley is best known as a catch-and-shoot weapon, he isn’t entirely one-dimensional. League tracking data shows he converted 37.2 percent of his pull-up threes last season on nearly four attempts per game. Roughly one-third of his shots were self-created, giving him more versatility than most pure specialists.
That blend of off-ball spacing and occasional self-creation could make him more appealing in Tom Thibodeau’s system than a high-usage scorer like Clarkson, especially in lineups that need defensive stability and ball movement.
The Financial Reality
Of course, the entire discussion may prove moot. The Knicks have only the veteran’s minimum available to offer, while other teams with greater cap flexibility can present Beasley with stronger financial packages. That makes New York more of a long-shot bidder than a front-runner.
Still, the fact that the Knicks are even linked to Beasley shows the front office is exploring ways to shore up the guard rotation. Whether they land him or not, the pursuit underscores how fragile Clarkson’s role could be if New York keeps shopping for backcourt upgrades.
Balancing Depth and Fit
The Knicks have been aggressive in building a championship-caliber roster, but balancing depth with fit is the next challenge. Clarkson gives them a proven scorer off the bench, while Beasley would give them elite shooting. Having both might sound ideal on paper, but in practice, there may not be enough minutes to go around.
If Beasley lands in New York, Clarkson could quickly find himself battling for playing time in a way he didn’t expect when he signed.
