You remember 2016. It was the year of the "Hotline Bling" memes and the peak Coachella aesthetic. It was also the year that Kendall Jenner and Jordan Clarkson became the internet’s favorite "are they or aren't they?" obsession. Unlike the high-profile drama of her sisters' relationships, Kendall has always played things close to the chest. She has a rule about it, actually.
She won't bring a guy on the family show unless they've been together for at least a year.
Jordan Clarkson didn't make that cut. But that doesn't mean what they had wasn't real or, at the very least, a lot of fun to watch from the sidelines.
The Kendall Jenner and Jordan Clarkson Timeline
The rumors didn't just start out of thin air. In March 2016, the two were spotted together in Los Angeles, sparking immediate "new couple" alerts. Jordan was a rising star for the Lakers back then, and Kendall was—well, she was Kendall. They were young, incredibly attractive, and seemingly inseparable for a few months.
They weren't exactly hiding, but they weren't doing red carpets either. It was all very "low-key." Think late-night hangs at 1 OAK or grabbing dinner at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Sources told People at the time that Jordan was "really into her," and honestly, who could blame him?
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That Coachella Leapfrog Moment
If there is one image that defines the Kendall Jenner and Jordan Clarkson era, it’s the leapfrog.
During Coachella 2016, a video surfaced of Jordan (who is about 6'4") literally jumping over Kendall’s head. Keep in mind, Kendall is roughly 5'10". It was an impressive show of athleticism, sure, but it also showed a level of comfort between them. You don't let a pro athlete vault over your head in a crowded festival field if you don't trust them.
That weekend was basically their unofficial coming-out party. They were seen partying with her squad and looking very much like a couple. But as the summer faded, so did the intensity.
By June, the narrative changed. Insiders started saying it wasn't a "serious situation." Jordan was seeing other people, Kendall was busy being the world's most in-demand model, and the spark just sorta... leveled out.
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Why It Didn't Last
Distance and schedules are the usual suspects in celeb breakups. For these two, it felt more like a "right person, wrong time" or maybe just a "fun for now" thing.
- Career Trajectories: In 2016, Jordan was fighting for his spot in the NBA. He’d eventually move from the Lakers to the Cavs, then the Jazz, and as of 2026, he’s providing a veteran spark for the New York Knicks.
- **The A$AP Rocky Factor:** Around the same time things were fizzling with Jordan, Kendall started being seen with A$AP Rocky. The crossover was messy in the tabloids, but in reality, it seemed like Kendall was just enjoying her 20s.
- Privacy Preferences: Kendall is notoriously private. Jordan, while not a spotlight-seeker, was a young athlete in LA. Those lifestyles don't always mesh perfectly when one person wants to stay under the radar and the other is a regular on the club circuit.
Despite the "split," there was never any public beef. In fact, Jordan showed up to her 21st birthday party in November 2016. They even grabbed a New Year’s Eve kiss that year, but by 2017, they had clearly moved into the "just friends" zone.
Where Are They Now?
It’s been a decade since they were the "it" pair of the summer. A lot has changed.
Jordan Clarkson has carved out a hell of a career. He won Sixth Man of the Year in 2021 and remains one of the most respected scorers in the league. He’s currently averaging about 10 points a game for the Knicks and recently had a vintage 25-point performance against his old team, the Cavs, on Christmas Day 2025. He’s settled into his role as a veteran leader.
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Kendall, meanwhile, has navigated high-profile relationships with Ben Simmons, Devin Booker, and Bad Bunny. Most recently, she’s been linked to Byredo founder Ben Gorham. She’s 30 now and seems more focused on her 818 Tequila brand and selective modeling than ever.
Interestingly, she still seems to have a "type"—or at least a deep appreciation for the NBA. Most of her long-term partners have been athletes. There’s a certain level of understanding that comes with dating someone who has a rigorous, travel-heavy schedule.
The Actionable Takeaway
What can we learn from the Kendall Jenner and Jordan Clarkson saga? It’s basically a masterclass in the "casual transition."
- Keep it Private: If you aren't sure where a relationship is going, follow Kendall’s lead. Keeping things out of the public eye (or off social media) makes the eventual "fizzle" much less painful.
- Maintain the Friendship: The fact that Jordan was at her birthday months after they stopped "dating" proves you don't have to burn bridges.
- Focus on the Craft: Both individuals used that period of high visibility to fuel their careers rather than letting the gossip distract them. Jordan focused on his game; Kendall built an empire.
If you’re looking to keep up with their current lives, watching a Knicks game is your best bet for Jordan. For Kendall, you’ll likely find her at the next Fashion Week or launching a new 818 activation. They’ve both moved on, but that 2016 leapfrog? That’s internet history.
The reality is that most "rumored" celebrity relationships are exactly what this one was: a moment in time between two people who were just trying to figure it out while the whole world watched. They didn't owe us a wedding, and they didn't give us a messy breakup. Sometimes, a summer fling is just a summer fling.
And that's okay.