The Milwaukee Bucks don’t have to worry about the offseason right now. However, if things don’t go their way, they need to consider how they can enhance their chances of winning the championship. If they need help for their bench, one possible choice might be Utah Jazz scoring talent Jordan Clarkson.
Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz described a potential trade that would send Clarkson to the Bucks in a story dated March 29.
Bucks receive: Clarkson
Jazz receive: Pat Connaughton, MarJon Beauchamp, 2024 Portland Trail Blazers Second-Round Pick
Swartz explained why the Jazz should trade Clarkson to the Bucks and how the Bucks could manage to acquire him.
“Transferring Clarkson to the Bucks would be treating the experienced guard well. He could take on the role of the sixth-man for a team with championship ambitions alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
“Clarkson’s salary decreases to $14.1 million next season, making it much easier to trade for him.”
As Swartz hinted, after his four-year, $52 million contract ends, he begins a two-year, $28 million extension.
Clarkson is also a former winner of the Sixth Man of the Year award, winning it in 2021. During the 2023-24 season, he averaged 17.1 points per game and a career-high five assists per game, displaying improvement in his playmaking.
Jordan Clarkson Likely to Enter Free Agency
Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey listed Clarkson as one of the players he believes is most likely to join a new team.
“The Jazz have him under contract for two more seasons, but if the goal is to ultimately contend for the championship, it’s nearly impossible to imagine that happening before his deal ends,’ Bailey wrote in a story published on March 20.
Bailey then previewed what the Jazz could potentially receive in exchange for Clarkson. The argument he makes supports the idea that the Bucks should pursue him.
“Clarkson won’t command a huge return, but teams aiming to win now and strengthen their backcourt offense and bench should desire his scoring ability and secondary playmaking. If Utah traded him this summer, those buyers would have two full seasons with Clarkson, which should motivate them to offer more for him than they would during next season’s trade deadline or in the 2025 offseason.”
The Bucks currently lack first-round picks to offer. If the Jazz set the price at a minimum of one first-round pick, the Bucks would be out of luck.
Patrick Beverley Will Play Through Injury
Despite dealing with a wrist injury, Beverley confirmed via his podcast’s X account that he will continue playing despite the injury.
It is admirable that Beverley is playing despite the injury. Nonetheless, if it goes wrong in the long term, that could negatively impact his value as a free agent. If the Bucks want to add Clarkson to the mix, it could further complicate things.
Clarkson has gained a reputation as a scorer. However, he has not had the most productive season with the Jazz. During the 2023-24 season, he is shooting 41.3% from the field and 29.4% from three. Perhaps playing with more offensively skilled teammates could alter that.
Clarkson has been part of multiple playoff teams with both the Jazz and Cleveland Cavaliers, so he has knowledge of succeeding.
