Jordan Clarkson is set to make his return to Utah after the Jazz released him last year. The Clarkson era ended on a rather flat note - they waived him after he put up his usual numbers on a team that didn't need him - but Clarkson made it clear that there are no hard feelings between him and the Jazz.
While talking with The New York Post's Stefan Bondy, Clarkson made it clear how much he loved his time with the Jazz and Salt Lake City.
“That’s a home for me. I loved the organization. I love the coaching staff. Yeah, I love the city. All I had was love there,” Clarkson told Bondy. “So going back, I don’t know what my emotions are going to be. I’m going to try to keep my cool in terms of not feeling [emotional], just all the gratitude and everything that the city is giving me. But yeah, I don’t know how I’m going to feel yet.”
The feeling is mutual between the two sides. That likely played a role in why the Jazz granted Clarkson's wish to play for a contender, as it was best for all sides to move on, even if it meant swallowing the remainder of his contract.
It's just a shame Clarkson's time in New York hasn't worked out well
The Knicks were supposed to be Clarkson's chance to start anew, but gradually, he has fallen out of favor in New York's rotation. The former Sixth Man of the Year just doesn't have the same juice he did when he played for Utah, which is why New York went out of their way to acquire Jose Alverado at the trade deadline.
Being on the roster will still give him the chance to compete for a title, but pending any surprises, he won't have the same role with the Knicks as he did with the Jazz once they start playing for one. That being said, if he and New York win a title, regardless of how little he plays (if he plays), everyone in Utah will be happy to see him get a championship.
Clarkson likely wanted it both ways: competing for a title while also getting consistent minutes. At his age, he will likely take whatever he can get just to stay in the show. His days of getting the time and putting up the numbers he did with the Jazz may likely be over, but at least he will hopefully still have more chances to get a title, no matter how limited they might be.