Jazz, Jordan Clarkson Finalizing Contract Buyout

The Utah Jazz are finalizing a contract buyout with guard Jordan Clarkson, who will hit the free agent market after clearing waivers, per Shams Charania of ESPN.

Clarkson will aim to land with a contender, “with interest from multiple playoff teams already expected,” Charania writes.

Utah had been seeking a trade partner for Clarkson, per Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune, but had received “next-to-no” interest.

Clarkson, 32, appeared in a career-low 37 games this past season, sidelined late by plantar fasciitis in his left foot. He averaged 16.2 points and 3.7 assists in 26.0 minutes per game off the bench, but has struggled with consistency since winning Sixth Man of the Year in 2021.

The Jazz signed Clarkson to an extension in 2023 with the idea of flipping him later, but that plan appeared to have hit a wall.

“Jazz officials and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul finalized the buyout Monday, allowing Clarkson to join a contender in July ahead of more cap space teams next summer,” Charania wrote.

Utah already traded guard Collin Sexton to the Charlotte Hornets for center Jusuf Nurkic, and the Clarkson move leaves the door open for the Jazz to add at least one backcourt player.