The 2023-24 NBA season is young. We should not be jumping to conclusions. At the same time, games have been played. Observations can be made. We are reaching a point in the season where teams and fans alike can officially begin to worry.
If you’re a Miami Heat fan, you may be concerned. This team’s 3-4 start to the season has not been encouraging. In 2022-23, the Heat unexpectedly ran to the NBA Finals.
At this point, they’re not on track to do the same this season. By contrast, fans of the Utah Jazz may have broader concerns. What’s the plan here?
The Jazz have a lot of assets, but they also have a mediocre roster. Utah won’t be able to tank for top lottery picks with this group, but the playoffs are a long shot as well.
Could the Jazz pick a direction by sending Jordan Clarkson to the Heat?
NBA Trade Proposal — Miami Heat Land Jordan Clarkson
Utah Jazz Receive: G Kyle Lowry, F/C Kevin Love, 2027 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: G Jordan Clarkson, F/C Kelly Olynyk
Of course, teams look at broader trends than the beginning of one season. What has happened in 2023-24 is merely a piece of the puzzle. Teams are asking themselves whether their current results were expected or a surprise.
Yet, that’s not an easy question for the Heat. Simply put, they’re one of the least predictable teams in the league. It was surprising to see Miami make a run to the Finals, yet, on some level, it made sense.
Similarly, nobody is shocked that they’ve been underwhelming to begin this season, either. By contrast, the Jazz are a fairly easy team to make guesses about.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz, Miami Heat Updates
They’re likely to be solid and unlikely to be great. Some would suggest that that’s the worst place an NBA team can land.
Does this deal drag the Jazz out of the middle?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
Not on its own. The Jazz are deep. Unless they move Lauri Markkanen, it will be a little difficult for them to rebuild. At the same time, this is at least a step in that direction. This team makes Utah a worse team, and for them, that’s a benefit.
So is landing Kyle Lowry’s expiring contract. The Jazz may be having buyer’s remorse over the lucrative deal that they gave Clarkson. Moving it for an expiring makes perfect sense.
Following this deal, Utah would have considerably more financial flexibility heading into next summer. What will they do with that flexibility? Who knows.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz, Miami Heat Updates
The Jazz could try to make a win-now push and get on another star on the roster. If so, this protected pick will aid their cause. On the other hand, if they’re rebuilding, this pick holds even more value.
Should the Heat part with it?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
By contrast, taking on Clarkson’s deal may not be desirable for Miami. We understand that. He’s been having a difficult season. On the other hand, it feels possible that Clarkson is overtaxed as Utah’s lead guard.
Once paired with strong playmakers like Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, Clarkson should be able to get back to his strengths. That means scoring in bunches. Clarkson offers some playmaking, but at heart, he’s a bucket-getter.
That’s all Miami needs from their point guard. If Clarkson can round back into form, this will prove to be the deal that gets Miami back to contention, especially since they’re reuniting with Olynyk.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz, Miami Heat Updates
This team could use some size in the frontcourt. A combo big who can space the floor and play some defense sounds like the perfect addition. That’s Olynyk. He seems like a player Miami could use – not to jump to conclusions, of course.
