They’re fun to watch when an NBA team is built around their backcourt. Guard-driven teams tend to put up points in a hurry. They may not always win the championship, but watching them try is typically exciting.
The Dallas Mavericks are a guard-driven team. Luka Doncic is a hybrid guard/forward, but he’s a primary playmaker. Kyrie Irving is one of the most electric guards in the NBA.
The Mavericks have an impressive amount of firepower in their backcourt. Do they have enough? Perhaps. Some would say that Dallas must acquire a two-way wing or a defensive big to take the next step.
Could they double down on guards by acquiring Jordan Clarkson from the Utah Jazz?
The Trade Proposal
Utah Jazz Receive: C Richaun Holmes, F/C Maxi Kleber, 2027 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – DAL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: G Jordan Clarkson
You can build around your backcourt or build around your frontcourt. If you don’t have one of the league’s best players, it doesn’t matter. You won’t make a deep playoff run without a franchise player.
Does the Jazz have a franchise player? That’s been a subject of debate recently. Lauri Markkanen earned All-NBA distinctions last year. Some would consider him a franchise player. He hasn’t led the Jazz to much success in 2023-24.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks Updates
In all likelihood, Markkanen isn’t a player you can build a title run around. That’s not a knock – it’s simply an exceedingly high bar. With that said, it’s one that Doncic meets.
Should the Mavericks pair him with Clarkson?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
Clarkson is a former Sixth Man of the Year winner. That’s perfect for the Mavericks – that’s exactly how they’d use him. Clarkson would be leading the second unit for this team.
In all likelihood, he’d play alongside both Doncic and Irving. By making this deal, Dallas can always have two dynamic offensive guards on the floor. Since Doncic is big enough to play the 3, Dallas could also run lineups with all of them on the floor.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks Updates
That kind of firepower is worth this price. The Mavericks don’t even play Holmes. Losing Kleber will hurt their defense, but it might be a moot point with how many points they’ll be able to put on the board.
Should the Jazz have any interest in these players?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
No. They should have an interest in moving Clarkson for draft capital. The Jazz don’t look likely to make a playoff run this year. With that in mind, they should be shipping off veterans for assets.
This feels like a fair return for Clarkson. He’s aging and having a bit of a down year. If Utah is holding out for an unprotected first for Clarkson, they might be holding out for a while. A lottery-protected pick is likely his market value.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Otherwise, Holmes’ deal will expire soon. Kleber’s runs a bit longer, but it’s modest enough that it shouldn’t be a concern for the Jazz. This team needs to rebuild – whether around a guard or otherwise.
