# **BREAKING: Jordan Clarkson Expected to Sign with Cleveland Cavaliers After Clearing Waivers — Cavaliers Make Strategic Veteran Move Ahead of 2025 Season
In a bold, calculated move to bolster their offensive arsenal, the **Cleveland Cavaliers** are reportedly set to sign veteran guard **Jordan Clarkson** after he clears free agency waivers later this week. The deal—sources say—is expected to be a short-term, mid-level contract that immediately upgrades Cleveland’s perimeter scoring and bench depth.
The news, which began circulating late Monday night, has sent shockwaves across the NBA landscape. Just days into the 2025 free agency period, the Cavaliers are wasting no time adding veteran firepower to a young, reshaping roster led by Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.
This potential signing, while not as seismic as a blockbuster trade or superstar acquisition, might turn out to be one of the **savviest moves of the summer.**
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## **The Move: Why It Makes Sense for Cleveland**
Cleveland’s 2024–25 campaign ended in familiar frustration—an early playoff exit, offensive stagnation in crunch time, and glaring holes in bench production. With the departure of Ricky Rubio, the inconsistency of Caris LeVert, and the uncertain future of Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers entered this offseason needing one thing above all else:
**Reliable, veteran scoring.**
Jordan Clarkson provides exactly that. The 2021 Sixth Man of the Year has spent the last five seasons reinventing himself in Utah as one of the league’s most potent scoring guards off the bench. Known for his smooth shooting, aggressive isolation play, and ability to create instant offense, Clarkson brings a dynamic scoring presence Cleveland sorely lacked last year.
In 2024–25, Clarkson averaged:
* **16.8 PPG**
* **3.9 APG**
* **2.7 RPG**
* **36% from three**
* **87% FT**
Even more crucial, Clarkson has playoff experience, high basketball IQ, and a fearless mentality in tight moments—traits the Cavaliers sorely missed in recent postseason runs.
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## **A Familiar Face Returns**
This isn’t Clarkson’s first dance with the Cavaliers. He previously spent parts of three seasons in Cleveland (2017–2019), arriving as part of the midseason roster overhaul during LeBron James’ final campaign in Northeast Ohio. While that version of Clarkson was still finding his identity, he was an immediate fan favorite: a high-octane scorer with an edge and swagger.
The version returning to Cleveland in 2025 is far more mature, efficient, and reliable. He’s grown as a passer, improved shot selection, and learned how to balance aggression with control. His time in Utah under Quin Snyder and Will Hardy transformed him from a one-dimensional gunner into a more complete guard—one capable of operating in multiple systems and roles.
**In short: Cleveland is getting Clarkson 2.0—smarter, sharper, and still dangerous.**
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## **Locker Room Impact: Culture, Confidence & Chemistry**
Beyond stats, Clarkson brings something intangible: **attitude**. The Cavaliers are a young team with immense talent but have often lacked vocal leadership and emotional toughness in key moments.
Jarrett Allen is quiet by nature. Mobley leads through his play. Mitchell, while fiery, has his own uncertain future in Cleveland. Bringing in a veteran like Clarkson—known for his locker room presence, energy, and camaraderie—could be a masterstroke.
He’s beloved by teammates everywhere he’s been, particularly younger players. His authenticity, emotional intelligence, and sense of humor balance out his intensity on the court. In a locker room that has gone through multiple coaching changes and identity crises, Clarkson can be a bridge—between generations, between play styles, and between personalities.
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## **A Calculated Risk Worth Taking**
Clarkson is not without flaws. He’s not a plus defender, and his shoot-first mentality can be streaky. There are games when he might shoot the Cavaliers out of rhythm if the ball sticks too much. But Cleveland isn’t asking him to be a savior.
They’re asking him to be **a microwave off the bench**, a stabilizer in the second unit, and a closer when defenses load up on Mitchell or Mobley.
The expected deal—likely a two-year, team-friendly contract in the \$10–12 million per year range—minimizes risk while maximizing potential upside. With the new second apron rules and luxury tax thresholds looming over team-building, this is exactly the kind of move that allows a franchise to stay competitive without compromising future flexibility.
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## **Clarkson’s Journey: From Bench Role to NBA Mainstay**
To understand the magnitude of this move, you have to appreciate Jordan Clarkson’s journey.
Drafted in 2014 by the Washington Wizards (and traded to the Lakers), Clarkson was a bright spot in the post-Kobe years in Los Angeles. But it wasn’t until his move to Utah that he truly found his niche. Under Snyder, he accepted and eventually embraced a sixth-man role, becoming one of the most respected scoring threats in the Western Conference.
He evolved from volume scorer to a more nuanced offensive player—working off-ball, improving his reads, and adding leadership to his resume. In Utah, he played with grit, fearlessness, and often carried the scoring load on nights when the starters struggled.
Now, as he enters the second half of his career, Clarkson is looking for two things: **purpose and playoff relevance.** Cleveland offers both.
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## **Strategic Fit with Kenny Atkinson’s System**
New Cavaliers head coach **Kenny Atkinson** is known for his offensive creativity and ability to develop guards. From his days in Brooklyn helping elevate players like Spencer Dinwiddie and D’Angelo Russell, to his recent work as a top assistant in Golden State, Atkinson values unselfishness, pace, and adaptability.
Clarkson fits well within this vision.
Atkinson’s offensive scheme thrives on spacing, motion, and off-ball movement—elements Clarkson can contribute to while also creating his own looks when needed. He’ll likely be used in **second-unit rotations** alongside Garland (if he stays), or as a **late-game shot creator** when defenses collapse on Mitchell or Mobley.
This signing gives Atkinson a new chess piece—one with experience, edge, and no fear of the moment.
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## **Cavs’ Offseason Outlook: Still to Come**
Clarkson’s signing, while significant, is likely just the beginning of a busy offseason for Cleveland. Here’s what else is still on the table:
### **Donovan Mitchell Extension Watch**
All eyes are on Mitchell, who has yet to commit to a long-term deal with the Cavs. If he extends, Cleveland can focus on contending. If not, a trade becomes a real possibility—one that would drastically reshape the team.
### **Darius Garland Trade Rumors**
With Atkinson rumored to prefer a more defensive-minded backcourt and ball movement-heavy system, Garland’s name continues to surface in trade talks. Whether Cleveland keeps him or moves him will determine how Clarkson is used—starter or spark plug.
### **Evan Mobley’s Evolution**
The 23-year-old forward is the franchise’s long-term centerpiece. Clarkson’s ability to space the floor and take pressure off Mobley in half-court sets could unlock more offensive freedom for the rising star.
### **More Veteran Signings?**
Clarkson likely won’t be the last addition. The Cavaliers are expected to pursue another wing defender and possibly a backup big. But for now, they’ve addressed a glaring weakness—scoring punch off the bench.
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## **Fan Reaction: Buzz and Hope**
Cleveland fans are already buzzing. Clarkson was a fan favorite during his first stint, and this more mature version brings even more excitement.
On X (formerly Twitter), reactions poured in:
> “Jordan Clarkson coming back to Cleveland? Man, this team just got way more fun.”
> “I remember when Clarkson dropped 30+ in garbage time for us. Now he might be closing playoff games. What a full circle moment.”
> “This team needed some swagger. JC is that guy.”
The reaction inside the organization echoes the sentiment. This is a low-risk, high-reward move that signals **intent**. The Cavaliers aren’t waiting for the dust to settle. They’re shaping the narrative.
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## **Looking Ahead: What Success Looks Like**
So what’s the ceiling for this move?
If Clarkson maintains his level from Utah, stays healthy, and embraces a role as Cleveland’s sixth man, he could swing playoff games. If Mitchell stays, the Cavs suddenly have an elite shot-creating trio. If he leaves, Clarkson becomes an even more vital stopgap scorer.
Either way, it’s a step toward **competitiveness with identity**—something Cleveland has been searching for since their last Finals run.
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## **Final Word: A Reunion with Meaning**
In 2018, Jordan Clarkson was traded to Cleveland as part of a rebuild around LeBron James’ final title push. He played a role, but never felt essential.
Now, in 2025, he returns **not as a piece—but as a leader**. A closer. A veteran with battle scars and wisdom, walking back into the same city but under a completely different spotlight.
Sometimes, the best chapters aren’t written in the first draft.
Sometimes, the return means more than the debut.
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**Jordan Clarkson is coming back to Cleveland. And this time, it’s personal.**
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