After Trading Sexton, Jazz Having Difficulty Moving Another Guard

After Trading Sexton, Jazz Having Difficulty Moving Another Guard

Jordan Clarkson Reportedly On Trade Block With Little Interest

During much of his Jazz tenure, Clarkson has been utilized as a microwave scorer off the bench. He was a full-time starter in 2022-23, but he has been much more frequently used in a reserve role otherwise.

After picking up his player option in the 2023 offseason, Clarkson agreed on a two-year extension on top of that worth approximately $28.4 million. The last year of the deal comes next season as he is owed slightly less than $14.3 million.

After shipping out Sexton, the Jazz would also love to deal Clarkson as to not block playing time from their numerous young backcourt pieces. That is proving to be a challenge.

As per Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune, Utah isn’t finding much of a market for Clarkson. The slight decrease in his level of play as well as his age were reasons given as to why teams are hesitant.

The Jazz roster backcourt members Cody Williams (10th overall pick in 2024), Isaiah Collier (29th overall pick in 2024), and Keyonte George (16th overall pick in 2023). The three are currently 20, 20, and 21 years old respectively. It would behoove Utah to get them ample playing time on a team not expected to be near playoff contention.

Microwave Scorer Off The Bench With Utah

The 46th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Clarkson has certainly exceeded expectations compared to when he was drafted. The 11-year veteran has totaled more than 12,000 points in the league.

Injury issues limited Clarkson to a career-low 37 outings last season. Playing 26.0 minutes per night, he posted averages of 16.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. The 6-foot-3 guard possessed shooting percentage splits of 40.8/36.2/79.7.

In 2020-21, his first full season with Utah, Clarkson was named Sixth Man of the Year. The following year, he finished fourth in the voting. Clarkson finished with a career-best scoring average in 2022-23 of 20.8 points.

Clarkson has averaged more than 15 points in each of the past seven seasons. He still has the gift of being able to put the ball in the hoop that not many other guards can equal in a reserve role.

He certainly possesses his share of flaws as well, including at times being an inefficient scorer and someone who will never threaten to become an All-Defensive member. If a team will look past that in order to acquire a spark off the bench remains to be seen.