Jazz Likely to Hang On to Jordan Clarkson

Despite a hot start, many around the NBA suspect the Jazz will still look to trade some of their veteran players.

But don’t count guard Jordan Clarkson among them — at least not yet, according to Zach Lowe of ESPN.

Instead, the Jazz are likely to keep Clarkson as they seem what becomes of their 4-1 start. 

“I’ve heard the same stuff that other people have reported that they are just super reluctant to move Clarkson,” Lowe said on The Lowe Post podcast, via RealGM. ”They’re really fond of him for whatever reason. So, I would peg him as the least likely of all these Jazz guys to get traded.”

Clarkso has moved from a sixth man role last season to a starting one this year — joining the likes of point guard Mike Conley Jr. and new forwards Lauri Markkanen and Kelly Olynyk.

The Jazz could still look to trade Conley and veteran forward Rudy Gay, depending on what happens for the rest of the season. They already traded away four starters over the summer — Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers), Rudy Gobert (Timberwolves), Royce O’Neale (Nets) and Bojan Bogdanovic (Pistons).

For now, though, it appears Clarkson will remain in Utah. Clarkson, 30, is averaging 18.8 points, 5.2 assists, 4.2 rebounds and shooting 45 percent from the field, including 42 percent on 3-pointers.

Lowe Post podcast: @Herring_NBA and I bounce around the first week in the NBA: Lakers/Sixers/Nets starting 2-8; Russ situation and trades; unbeaten Blazers; 3-1 Jazz; JA MANIA; much more:

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— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) October 26, 2022