Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
Unlike the Raptors, the Jazz have no competitive ambitions ahead of 2022-23. Having dealt both Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell this summer, they’ll be hoping to bottom out and maximize their lottery odds ahead of the 2023 draft.
With that in mind, there’s no reason not to trade Clarkson. Therefore, the question becomes whether this is the right package for the organization.
We think it could be. The Jazz would be overly ambitious to hold out for an unprotected first-round pick for Clarkson. He’s talented, but he’s flawed. Clarkson’s defensive limitations and inconsistent efficiency may make it difficult for the Jazz to move him at that price.
On the other hand, a top-10 protected pick and the younger Flynn feels like a good return. Flynn hasn’t proven much at the NBA level yet, but he’s had precious few opportunities on a contending Raptors squad. With a fresh start in Utah, he may be able to demonstrate that he has more to offer.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Toronto Raptors & Utah Jazz Updates
Meanwhile, if the Raptors keep making moves like this one, the Jazz probably get a first-round pick from them anyway. After all, their pick won’t be likely to convey in the top 10.
