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When Utah Jazz shooting guard Jordan Clarkson signed a three- year extension last summer it felt like a fair deal. The former Sixth Man of the Year was coming off a solid season in his first year as a starter in a Jazz uniform, where he averaged 20.8 ppg and 4.4 assists per game.
With Utah in the midst of a rebuild, Clarkson’s contract was front-loaded, making it easier to trade him down the road and possibly get the Jazz an asset back that fit their championship window. In the 2023-24 season, Clarkson is being paid 23.487 million, followed by 14.092 million in 2024-25 and 14.092 million in 2025-26.
But what a difference a year makes. With little time left to turn the ship around, Clarkson is on the verge of having his worst year as a pro.
He ranks last in the league in three-point field goal percentage amongst players who attempt at least five per game. Currently 77 players fit in that category and his sample size has become big enough where the concerns are real.
Clarkson is also ranked 18th in the league with most turnovers with 2.7 per game and is having his worst year in his career defensively with a defensive rating of 119.1. The decline in his play is undoubtedly being noticed and was brought up when the former Jazz assistant coach Gordie Chiesa joined The Bill Riley Show on ESPN 700.
“So Bill, here’s Jordan Clarkson’s numbers this year, 17.1 ppg, 41.3 field goal percentage, but 29.7% from threes and thats been a huge factor. Now, he’s still been good from assists with five per game, but he leads the Jazz in turnovers at 2.7. So the 29.7 from three’s, that tells you a lot of times he’s not focused and often he panic shoots by over dribbling.”
Gordie Chiesa analyzes the state of the Jazz and the landscape of the NBA Playoffs https://t.co/AqBOd8tuSo
— ESPN 700 | 92.1 (@ESPN700) February 29, 2024
There have been multiple reports that Clarkson’s stay in Salt Lake City will end this offseason, but his recent decline in play does beg the question: If Clarkson is dealt, what can he bring back in an exchange?
At the time of the signing, the 28 million spread over the last two years was reasonable, but the way his play has been trending, it’s difficult to fathom that he could bring a quality asset back in today's market. He’ ’ll be 32 at the start of next season and more often than not players don’t regain their old form when Father Time starts creeping in.
When looking at comparable contracts, the deal Mike Conley just signed could be used as a compass for Clarkson’s current worth. The ex-Jazzman signed a two-year deal worth 20.750 million with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Conley has had a much better season than Clarkson, but he’s also a bit longer in the tooth. Conley will be 38 years old when his contract expires.
Whether Clarkson could get more or less than Conley as a free agent is relevant heading into this offseason. NBA franchises won’t give up an asset in a trade if they can get similar production in free agency.
This means Utah will either have to (1) bite the bullet at least one more year until the 2025 trade deadline in hopes Clarkson trade value improves or (2) take a bad contract back if an exchange happens this summer. It’s a developing story that still has time to rewrite itself with 20 games left in the season. But it needs to happen fast, or Clarkson’s days in Salt Lake City could be longer than reported if Utah’s front office expects a quality asset in return.
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