Jan 25, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert (24) drives to the basket as Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) defends in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
It’s possible that the Utah Jazz lost their greatest opportunity to acquire the most for Jordan Clarkson.
Instead of trading guard Jordan Clarkson before this year’s NBA Trade Deadline, the Utah Jazz made a couple lesser deals to recoup some mid-tier draft picks. It was unexpected that the Jazz would decide to hold onto Clarkson, whose numbers have drastically decreased from previous seasons, given the growing interest from contending clubs such as the New York Knicks.
Clarkson has lost a step, and his shot has suffered from his inability to find his spots like he once was able to. He’s shooting just 41.5% from the floor and a terrible 29% from three. While he’s averaging over 17 points a game, he’s doing so on horrid efficiency, with his true shooting percentage at just 52%.
It doesn’t appear that he will get better. Clarkson is only shooting 34% from the field and 20% from three through four games in February, and he is only producing 13.3 points per game. The only asset he can provide the Jazz, or any club, is his shooting ability; he is by no means a decent defensive player or someone who can stretch the floor and create opportunities for teammates.
And he’s not doing that. It’s very likely that Clarkson has entered the part of his career where his product declines and he begins to fall off as a talent. If that scenario ends up being the case, then whatever their best offers for him come the trade deadline will only start to dip as the season continues.
By the offseason, you could be able to get him for a second round selection and matching funds if the Jazz were able to acquire him for a contract exchange and a first-round pick. He’s not performing well on the court, and his options are restricted. Even though he is no longer that guy, the Utah Jazz and head coach Will Hardy continue to use him prominently for unknown reasons.
