The Los Angeles Lakers may be trading away Jordan Clarkson to the New York Knicks, says a report from ESPN. According to the report, the Knicks are interested in picking up the player but the only issue is that the Lakers may still want to sign him for another year or so.
It is noted that Clarkson is a restricted free agent this off-season, which means there are certain limitations regarding where he can go at this point in his career. Clarkson has only played professionaly for two seasons and it does appear like the Lakers may want to keep him.
As a free agent, the Lakers have the ability to match whatever offer the Knicks or any other team might give him. This will be a big incentive for Clarkson to stay with the Lakers for another two years until he is no longer listed as a restricted free agent, but even then there is the chance he may consider the Knicks' offer for reasons beyond the paycheck.
Knicks general manager Steve Mills explained that the team was in need of a guard that could lead the team throughout the season, a role that Clarkson could easily fill.
"It's clear we need a lead guard, someone that can really carry the load, day in and day out. That's something that I think is one of our biggest needs," he said.
As noted by Silver Screen and Roll, despite the fact that Clarkson has a lot of fans from the Knicks it would be a surprise if Clarkson indeed made the move. The Lakers are adamant about keeping young talent to boost their performance next season, particularly after Kobe Bryant's recent retirement.
Clarkson later told Silver Screen and Roll that he was drafted during a time when the Lakers were not at their best and he would want to stay longer to experience the Lakers as they begin winning and rising back up.
