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Koby Altman
To return to the days not seen since LeBron JamesTHE The Cleveland Cavaliers could use a familiar face. This particular familiar face played for the Cavaliers in their last NBA Finals appearance: Jordan Clarkson.
Sports Illustrated’s Matthew Schmidt offered the following exchange with the Utah Jazz This would send Clarkson back to Cleveland.
The Cavaliers receive: Clarkson
Jazz receives: Isaac Okoro (sign and exchange)
Schmidt explained why Clarkson would appeal to the Cavaliers.
“Cleveland would add a much-needed scorer off the bench to replace Donovan Mitchell or Darius Garland for a while,” Schmidt wrote. in an article dated August 20.
He explained why Clarkson would fit in well despite the flaws in her game.
“Yes, Clarkson has struggled to be efficient, especially last year when he averaged 17.1 points per game on a measly 52.1 percent true shooting percentage. However, he’s a microwave scorer who can create his own shot, something the Cavaliers could really use as a backup.
“Not only that, but Clarkson can facilitate, as evidenced by the fact that he recorded five assists a night last season.”
Schmidt concluded by adding two very specific benefits that come from the addition of Clarkson.
“With Garland being somewhat injury-prone throughout his career, Clarkson could step in and provide Cleveland with some insurance.
“To top it off, Clarkson is very approachable. He’s ready to win $14.1 million in 2024-25 and $14.3 million still remaining on his contract for 2025-26.
Clarkson won Sixth Man of the Year in 2021. As the Jazz begin a rebuild, a trade for him is a possibility.
Jordan Clarkson has no market: Insider
Since the Jazz have started a new chapter, Clarkson has not been of much use to them in the long term. While a trade would make sense, Tony Jones of The Athletic explained why they were unable to trade him along with their other veterans.
“They just couldn’t trade their veterans. You can’t trade people if there aren’t people who want to trade them,” Jones said on ESPN 700“John (Collins) is making a little too much money. And I don’t think the Jazz can trade him before the last year of his contract. Jordan Clarkson is the one that surprises me the most because I thought he would have a bigger market this summer, but that didn’t happen.”
Jones also explained the other factor that prevented Clarkson from getting a deal.
“What was not anticipated was that teams would be wary of the first and second salary caps. Teams are not taking money as easily and as readily as they used to.”
That could make acquiring Clarkson that much easier for Cleveland. The bigger question would be whether they want a reunion.
Jordan Clarkson’s role in the 2018 finale
The Cavaliers acquired Clarkson midway through the 2018 season. While Clarkson established himself as a goal scorer, he didn’t play a significant role in their Finals run at the time.
In 19 matches, Clarkson averaged 4.7 points on 30.1 percent shooting and 23.9 percent from three-point range.. Clarkson has since had remarkably better playoff performances during his stint with the Jazz, who relied on him during the playoffs.
Clarkson is a better player now than when Cleveland traded him, and his familiarity with Donovan Mitchell And Georges Niang from their time in Utah might prove useful.
Matt John covers the NBA for Heavy.com. The Massachusetts native has been covering the NBA since 2018, with stints at The Sporting News, FanSided, Basketball News, and Basketball Insiders. Learn more about Matt John
