Any contending NBA team needs a strong guard rotation. Typically, that means a great starting duo. Otherwise, you could look for a reliable low-usage guard or two to round out the rotation. Alternatively, you could look for a sixth man.
After all, somebody has to carry the offense when the starters need to rest. In many cases throughout NBA history, that’s been a guard’s job. If you have a dynamic offensive guard who’s willing to come off the bench, you’ve got a major advantage.
The Dallas Mavericks don’t have that player. They’ve got a fantastic starting duo in Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, but there’s no guard in this second unit who can carry them.
What if they acquired former Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz?
The Trade Proposal
Utah Jazz Receive: C Richaun Holmes, G/F Josh Green, 2027 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – DAL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: G Jordan Clarkson
With that said, guard-driven teams are controversial. There are several schools of thought about how to build an NBA offense best. Throughout history, those differing philosophies have consistently gone to war.
Let’s flash back to 1984. Hakeem Olajuwon was the first overall pick in the draft. In almost any class, that would have been the right choice. In 1984, Michael Jordan happened to be on the board.
The prevailing school of thought held that it was always better to take the big man. Jordan changed that. More recently, we saw Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors dominate the Western Conference.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks Updates
With that said, the Houston Rockets nearly vanquished them with a backcourt of James Harden and Chris Paul. Yet, in 2024, we see a return of dominant big men.
Should the Mavericks prioritize their guard rotation?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
They already have. This team’s offense lives and dies in its backcourt. Still, some would suggest that’s a reason to avoid Clarkson. Shouldn’t the Mavericks upgrade their frontcourt instead?
Perhaps. Yet, something is appealing about simply plugging another offensive-minded guard into the rotation. This deal allows the Mavericks to maintain their principles. They can keep overwhelming opponents with backcourt offense.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks Updates
After all, Clarkson is very good. He’s a gifted scorer who’s made strides as a playmaker throughout his career. Adding him would make the Mavericks a more dangerous team.
Should the Jazz give him up?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
As a rebuilding team, the Jazz are still sorting out their backcourt rotation. Rookie Keyonte George has been impressive at times. With that said, Collin Sexton is having a renaissance.
Either way, the older Clarkson feels like the odd man out. This team should be looking to the future, and Clarkson isn’t likely to be part of it. Moving him to make more room for George and Sexton feels like the right call.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks Updates
An intriguing young player and a lightly protected pick ought to suffice for Utah. Green is an athletic 3-and-D wing who fills a hole in this roster. After all, the Jazz have enough young backcourt talent.
