The Utah Jazz are in full rebuild mode. This means Jordan Clarkson is the next likely candidate to be moved via trade. There are many teams calling for the asking price of Clarkson’s services. The Milwaukee Bucks have been active searching for the final missing piece to get them back to the championship. Recently, multiple media outlets have reported that Milwaukee is “out” on making a deal with Utah for Clarkson.
The Milwaukee Bucks have shown ‘a lot’ of interest in Jordan Clarkson, per @Tjonesonthenba
“But the Jazz would have had to take back George Hill in a potential trade, and they weren’t going to do that. That was kind of a non-starter for them.”
(Via The Bill Riley Show) pic.twitter.com/zZSYEm0KF4
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) September 29, 2022
Why did the deal fail?
Initial reports are the deal couldn’t be reached because Utah would have to take George Hill back in any trade scenario. This has baffled many in the NBA community.
The Jazz not wanting to take back George Hill is bizarre. I figured Hill, a vet on a small, expiring contract, would be the least offensive part of Milwaukee's offer between Grayson Allen's multi-year contract and the lack of premier draft assets. Just buy him out! https://t.co/APews1kDF4
— Ti Windisch (@TiWindisch) September 29, 2022
In an article by Tyler Conway from Bleach Report, he highlights how the Jazz could get out of George Hill’s contract. Buying out Hill’s contract for $1.3 million is the first step. After a potential buyout, Hill would be allowed to sign with any team on a veteran’s minimum. A veteran’s minimum in the league is $2.7 million. Combining the buyout and the veteran’s minimum would equal the same dollar amount that Hill would make this season.
What’s the next move?
The Bucks have two options, stay put and do nothing until the trade deadline or get a deal done for Jae Crowder. The Phoenix Suns have granted Crowder permission to seek a trade before the season kicks off. Crowder saw less minutes down the stretch in favor of young ascending talent, Cam Johnson. Crowder’s defensive versatility are going to have a number of teams inquiring about his price in a trade.
A few different reports mentioned that Milwaukee was quietly in discussion with Detroit for Jerami Grant. With news of Jerami Grant, Jordan Clarkson and Jae Crowder, it seems as though a deal for a player is immanent.
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