Jazz's Mistake to Extend SG Jordan Clarkson Revealed

In hindsight, the Utah Jazz extending Jordan Clarkson could prove costly.

When Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson chose to opt in last summer and was given an extension that runs through 2026, it appeared to be a win-win for both sides. Clarkson got the lion's share of the 55 million dollar three-year deal in year one, and by doing so, the Jazz would have a tradable asset that could be used in their rebuild down the road. But what a difference one season makes. 

Multiple reports have shown that this year will be his last year in Salt Lake City. However, moving on from Utah’s most tenured player has gotten more complicated because of his poor play on the court this season and reoccurring injuries.

Clarkson is currently in the midst of his worst season in a Jazz uniform, and finding a buyer willing to give up an asset for his services will be challenging. 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. 

Clarkson is averaging an inefficient 17.1 points and dishing out five assists a game. His field goal % (41.3) and three-point percentages (29.3) are at a career-worst. Also, Clarkson has been the worst defender on a team that ranks last in the league regarding defensive rating. Utah is giving up an embarrassing 120.4 points every 100 possessions, and with Clarkson on the floor, that number jumps to 124.1.

As far as durability, it hasn't been pretty either. Assuming he's done for the season, Clarkson will have missed a total of 48 games over the last two seasons. Good luck finding a trade partner willing to take on a player on the wrong side of 30 and play on the court that has regressed since signing the contract. 

In hindsight, it was a mistake for management to extend Clarkson for three years and not two. If his contract were to end in 2025, there may be a case to take on the risk with an expiring contract, but at two more years, it’s unlikely. 

So, what does this mean moving forward? If the rumors are true that Clarkson won’t be around next year, Utah must be willing to take on a bad contract back in a straight-up deal. 

His contract could also be used to help facilitate a blockbuster trade if this is the summer that Utah uses its stockpile of draft picks to trade for an All-Star caliber player. However, his contract would still be considered a negative asset in that scenario.

Lastly, Utah could be forced to keep the former Sixth Man of the Year heading into next season. His trade value could go up if his play improves on the court and also due to his contract getting closer to expiring. Either way, the signing that had Jazz fans rejoicing last summer is looking to be an obstacle that Utah's front office will have to deal with this summer and possibly beyond.

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