Every team in the NBA has the same goal: winning an NBA championship. They’re all on different paths to get there. If you’re not one of the league’s genuine contenders, the best thing that you can have is options.
The Utah Jazz have got a lot of options. They have a tremendous collection of first-round picks. The Jazz also have an intriguing mix of young players and contenders. This team could go in several directions.
Rebuilding feels like the most realistic one. This team isn’t even close to contending for an NBA title. As a result, it’s been rumored that they could part with several of their veterans this year.
Could they send Jordan Clarkson to the New Orleans Pelicans?
NBA Trade Proposal: New Orleans Pelicans Land Utah Jazz’s Jordan Clarkson
Utah Jazz Receive: C Jonas Valanciunas, G Kira Lewis Jr., F E.J. Liddell, 2025 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – NOP)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G Jordan Clarkson, C Omer Yurtseven
If you’re going to win an NBA title, you need a lot of talent. That’s not all you need. You also need that talent to be available. That’s where the Pelicans have been having issues.
After all, they’ve got the talent. The Pelicans are among the most talented teams in the NBA. With that said, it doesn’t matter if their most talented player can’t stay on the floor.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Unfortunately, that’s been the case for Zion Williamson. With that said, Williamson has been healthier this year. He simply hasn’t been as productive as in years past.
With that in mind, should the Pelicans be making win-now moves?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Sure. Let’s leave Williamson’s productivity aside. The Pelicans are nearing the top of the Western Conference standings. That makes sense. After all, this team has a lot of talent outside of Williamson.
Still, they could use someone to carry their second unit. Why not a recent Sixth Man of the Year winner? Clarkson can hit shots against any defender.
He’s also developed into a capable playmaker in recent years. He should give this team a more potent attack. Moreover, the Pelicans allegedly want to replace Valanciunas anyway.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
They only partially do that here – Yurtseven is a better defender, but he may not be the long-term solution. Still, he can help the Pelicans until they’re able to find a long-term fixture.
Should the Jazz part with him?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
The Jazz won’t find a use for Valanciunas either. That’s OK – he’s on an expiring contract. That’s part of why the Jazz are making this deal. They should be happy to move off of Clarkson’s contract.
They should also be happy to get a first-round pick. Granted, it’s lottery-protected. For an aging Clarkson, that’s as good as Utah is likely to do. Still, this is an asset worth acquiring.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Meanwhile, Liddell and Lewis Jr. are both intriguing young players as well. It doesn’t hurt a rebuilding Jazz team to take a flyer on either. If nothing else, it gives them more options.
