Although the Milwaukee Bucks have added talented players during the offseason, there still the question of leveling the field in a stacked up Eastern Conference. In that regard, the team are faced with an intriguing option in Utah Jazz’ Jordan Clarkson, a former NBA Sixth Man of the Year, and whether he’ll fit with the franchise’s championship plans.
Clarkson finds himself facing a challenging situation as he enters the upcoming season. Despite his potential and past performances, there appears to be little interest from other NBA teams in acquiring him. After spending over four years in Salt Lake City, Clarkson’s name has frequently surfaced in trade discussions, particularly as the Jazz look to develop their younger roster.
However, current reports indicate that no teams are actively pursuing a trade for the 32-year-old. Clarkson struggled with his efficiency last season, finishing with a shooting percentage of just 41.3% from the field and a career-low 29.4% from beyond the arc, even as he averaged over 17 points per game. This decline in performance has made teams hesitant to invest in him, as they are concerned about his recent shooting slump.
If Clarkson remains with the Jazz, he will be part of a competitive backcourt that includes emerging talents like Keyonte George and Collin Sexton. The Jazz are focused on building for the future, and Clarkson’s experience could prove valuable as they navigate this transition.
Milwaukee Bucks Get Former Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson in NBA Mock Trade
According to a mock trade proposed by Behind the Buck Pass’ Dalton Sell, Milwaukee will acquire Clarkson and a second-round pick from the Houston Rockets in a proposed three-team deal that involves the Jazz. In return, the Bucks will move big man Brook Lopez.
“Due to second apron restrictions, the Bucks cannot combine salaries in any trade. That means that they would have to trade away one of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton or Brook Lopez to absorb the guard’s $14.1 million salary. Obviously, the top three are safe, and recent reports suggest that Lopez is off the table in trade talks as well.
Still, even if the Bucks were willing to make this deal, Clarkson doesn’t fit the current construction of the roster at all. He’s a nice player, but Milwaukee doesn’t exactly need another microwave scorer off of the bench; they need defenders, and Clarkson is not that. Trading away one of their top defenders for Clarkson would certainly be a headscratcher, even with the second-round pick,” Sell wrote.
As noted in the analysis, adding Clarkson is no guarantee he’ll do well with the team. While that may hold some ground, there’s no denying that he can do wonders from bench and for the Bucks’ key starters, like two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and All-Star point guard Damian Lillard. With him around, there’ll be a consistent source of offense to keep Milwaukee effective on the court.
For Clarkson, the upcoming season is crucial. He will need to demonstrate his scoring ability and improve his efficiency to regain trade value. A strong start could shift the narrative around him, potentially opening the door for future opportunities. Even if he doesn’t end up in Milwaukee, the dynamic scorer will still find a new home in the market soon enough.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow us on Twitter at @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.
