Jazz Executive Commends Clarkson Signing: ‘We’re Thrilled We Kept Him'

Entering this offseason, the future of Jordan Clarkson continuing his career with the Utah Jazz was in question. With his impactful ability as a three-level scorer averaging over 20 points per game in 2022-23, the demand to add Clarkson’s services around the league was bound to be present.

However, the Jazz were ready to do all they could to retain their fan-favorite. Entering free agency with a ton of free money to spend, keeping Clarkson on the roster was among one of if not the biggest priority at the hands of Danny Ainge and Co.

Lucky for them, Clarkson opted to re-up with the Jazz, deciding to sign a multi-year, $55 million contract to return to Utah. Returning not just for next season but the next three.

The @utahjazz have officially resigned Jordan Clarkson to a contract extension. #TakeNote | @kslsports
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) July 7, 2023

As described by Keith Smith of Spotrac, an anonymous Jazz executive had some outstanding optimism around the choice to bring back JC:

"We knew going into the summer that we wanted to keep Jordan Clarkson around. At one point, we thought it would be via a standard extension. But once the board kind of fell into place, it was clear we could do the renegotiation and that would benefit both Jordan and us. He’s an organizational favorite and we’re thrilled we kept him in Utah.”

Considering how the contract framework is structured, it is hard to argue against this deal indeed benefiting both sides. Instead of having a standard NBA contract with value distributed across three seasons with steady increases throughout, Clarkson’s contract is different.

Instead, it’s extremely front-loaded.

Clarkson will look to earn the most money of his extension during the upcoming 2023-24 season, pulling in about $23.5 million across the year. After this season, his cap number decreases to just above $14 million in the remaining two years. The deal gives Clarkson the contract numbers he deserves, also providing the Jazz immense cap flexibility.

Thus, fans should also be thrilled with the decision to keep JC. It’s great for the Jazz all-around. Bringing back Clarkson, alongside a deep backcourt consisting of Collin Sexton, Keyonte George, Talen-Horton Tucker, and Kris Dunn forms a solid and exciting guard rotation for Utah next season and onwards.

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