Knicks' Jordan Clarkson Receives Warm Welcome in Return to Utah

The former Jazz guard was celebrated by the home crowd in his first game back in Salt Lake City.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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Jordan Clarkson, who spent six seasons with the Utah Jazz, returned to Salt Lake City for the first time since joining the New York Knicks this past offseason. The Jazz honored Clarkson with a tribute video and ovation from the crowd, showcasing their appreciation for the veteran guard who was a key part of the team during his time in Utah.

Why it matters

Clarkson was a beloved player for the Jazz, earning the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2021 and becoming one of the franchise's top scorers. His return to Utah as a member of the opposing team highlights the strong connection he built with the city and the Jazz fanbase during his tenure.

The details

Clarkson spent six seasons with the Jazz, playing in 342 regular season games and averaging 17.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. He arrived in Utah via a trade deadline move from the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2020 and quickly became a fan favorite, helping the team to a first-place finish in the Western Conference in 2021. Clarkson is now in his first season with the Knicks, settling into a consistent bench role as a spark plug for the second unit.

  • Clarkson's first game against the Jazz this season was in December at Madison Square Garden.
  • This game in Salt Lake City marks Clarkson's first return to Utah since joining the Knicks.

The players

Jordan Clarkson

A guard for the New York Knicks who spent the previous six seasons with the Utah Jazz, where he was a fan favorite and won the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2021.

Utah Jazz

The NBA team based in Salt Lake City, Utah, where Clarkson played for six seasons before joining the Knicks this past offseason.

New York Knicks

The NBA team that Jordan Clarkson currently plays for after signing with them as a free agent in the offseason.

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What they’re saying

“It's definitely different, but excited. I still feel the love here, always. So, it's home for me. I still have my home's here. So, it just feels good to be back.”

— Jordan Clarkson, Guard, New York Knicks (yardbarker.com)

What’s next

Clarkson and the Knicks will look to continue their strong season as they face the Jazz, while the Utah crowd will have more opportunities to show their appreciation for the former fan favorite.

The takeaway

Jordan Clarkson's return to Utah as a member of the opposing team highlights the strong connection he built with the Jazz franchise and fanbase during his six seasons in Salt Lake City, where he emerged as a key contributor and fan favorite.