The Decision Is Made: Trading Jordan Clarkson – A Perfect Sixth Man for the Clippers

The Utah Jazz have reportedly placed several players, including Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton, and John Collins, on the trading block. This move signals the franchise's intent to embrace a rebuild after a disastrous start to the season. With a record of 4-17, the Jazz sit at the bottom of the Western Conference and are widely believed to be positioning themselves for the 2025 NBA Draft, targeting phenom Cooper Flagg.

While Clarkson, Sexton, and Collins are available, there is no mention of Walker Kessler, the Jazz’s standout young center. Kessler is having a solid sophomore season, averaging 10.9 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 73.7% from the field. Kessler's performance has made him a coveted asset, particularly for teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, who have long sought a reliable big man. However, it seems Utah views him as a cornerstone of their rebuild.

Why Jordan Clarkson Is a Hot Commodity

Among the players being shopped, Clarkson stands out as one of the most appealing trade targets. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year, Clarkson is in the final year of a contract that pays him $14.09 million this season. He has continued to deliver as a reliable scorer off the bench, averaging 15 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.

Clarkson’s scoring ability and versatility make him an ideal addition for contending teams in need of firepower off the bench. One such team is the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers, currently sixth in the Western Conference with a 14-10 record, are battling to solidify their playoff position in a tightly contested field. They hold a slim lead over the seventh-place Phoenix Suns by just 0.5 games, with the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves close behind.

The Clippers’ second unit lacks a consistent offensive threat, a role that Clarkson could fill seamlessly. Powell, once the team’s go-to sixth man, has stepped into a starting role this season, becoming their primary scorer in Paul George’s absence. Powell’s leap has been nothing short of remarkable, as he’s averaging 23.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists on 50.5% shooting, including an incredible 50.7% from three-point range.

Without Powell leading the bench, the Clippers’ second unit has struggled to generate offense. Acquiring Clarkson would address this issue while allowing the Clippers to maintain their potent starting lineup.

The Clippers’ Interest in Clarkson

Reports suggest that the Clippers are strongly considering a trade for Clarkson. Earlier this season, Fadeaway World proposed a potential deal that would send PJ Tucker, Bones Hyland, and two second-round picks to the Jazz in exchange for the veteran guard. While this package may not blow Utah away, it highlights the Clippers’ willingness to part with assets to improve their roster.

Adding Clarkson would give the Clippers one of the league’s most dynamic benches. His ability to create his own shot and stretch the floor would complement the team’s existing stars, particularly when Kawhi Leonard returns. Leonard, who has yet to play this season due to injury, is reportedly on track to make his debut before Christmas, a development that could elevate the Clippers to legitimate title contention.

The Market for Clarkson

The challenge for the Clippers will be securing Clarkson amid stiff competition. His skill set makes him a highly sought-after target for any team looking to bolster their depth ahead of the trade deadline. Virtually every contender would benefit from adding a player of Clarkson’s caliber, which could drive up the asking price.

Teams like the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Milwaukee Bucks may also emerge as potential suitors. The Heat, for example, are known for their emphasis on playoff-ready players who can deliver in high-pressure situations. Clarkson’s ability to generate instant offense fits the Heat’s culture perfectly.

Similarly, the 76ers and Bucks, both of whom have championship aspirations, could view Clarkson as a valuable addition to their rotations. With James Harden no longer in Philadelphia and the Bucks adjusting to Damian Lillard’s presence, both teams might look to add scoring depth to their benches.

Utah’s Strategy and Rebuilding Efforts

For the Jazz, trading Clarkson represents a clear pivot toward rebuilding. While the team’s record is abysmal, the Jazz are stocked with intriguing young talent, including Walker Kessler, Lauri Markkanen, and Keyonte George. Offloading veterans like Clarkson, Sexton, and Collins would free up playing time for younger players while adding future assets to aid in the team’s long-term plans.

It’s no secret that Utah has its eyes on the 2025 draft class, particularly Cooper Flagg, who is widely regarded as a generational talent. By trading established players, the Jazz can improve their odds in the lottery while positioning themselves for sustained success in the future.

The Clippers’ Playoff Push

For the Clippers, the urgency to make a move is clear. The Western Conference standings are incredibly tight, with little margin for error. A trade for Clarkson would not only solidify their playoff positioning but also enhance their chances of making a deep postseason run.

The return of Kawhi Leonard adds another layer of intrigue. If Leonard can regain his All-NBA form, the Clippers could become one of the most dangerous teams in the league. Pairing Leonard and Powell with a dynamic scorer like Clarkson would create a potent offensive trio capable of competing with the NBA’s elite.

As the February trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Jazz and Clippers. Whether Clarkson ultimately lands in Los Angeles or elsewhere, his name will remain at the center of trade discussions in the coming weeks.

For now, it’s clear that Utah is ready to embrace the future, while the Clippers are determined to maximize their present.