Ever since the Utah Jazz blew up their squad in 2022, it seems like Jordan Clarkson has been involved in endless trade rumors. The one obstacle isn't so much about what Clarkson can and can't do or what he gets paid, but the length of his contract.
Teams are shy about acquiring long contracts for non-stars like Clarkson because they like to spend their money wisely now more than ever, thanks to the NBA's harsh tax aprons. Trading for Clarkson wouldn't be much of an issue this season since his current deal runs for only one more year after this one.
However, another problem could get in the way of the Jazz trading Clarkson - his availability.
Clarkson has missed a lot of games
The Jazz announced that Clarkson will miss their upcoming game against the Portland Trail Blazers tonight because of plantar fasciitis.
Jazz Injury Report:
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 26, 2024
*OUT - Jordan Clarkson (left plantar fasciitis)
*OUT - John Collins (left hip contusion)
*OUT - Keyonte George (left ankle sprain) https://t.co/ghfYmZk0ZO
Plantar fasciitis injuries are annoying, but they're not the worst. Clarkson will likely be day-to-day, but evidence would suggest that, in his case, his injury is a problem because it's been bothering him for quite some time.
When the Jazz play the Trail Blazers, Clarkson will have missed the 11th of 29 games possible. He's missed multiple games and multiple stretches of games because of his nagging injury. Since the season is already over one-third in the books, Clarkson's inability to stay on the floor will be a red flag until he proves it's not.
The Jazz may try hard to trade Clarkson; at this stage, they may not even ask for anything valuable for him. His inconsistency to stay on the floor might lead to Clarkson sticking around. It's not like this is a problem for the Jazz because their tank is going more or less as planned. Rather, it's about Clarkson getting the opportunity to spend what's left of his prime elsewhere.
The saddest part is that Clarkson inarguably fits on desperate contenders like the Nuggets or upstart playoff contenders like the Clippers because he can help teams trying to win that could use some more scoring.
Clarkson gives them that and at a pretty affordable price for his services. However, when teams acquire possible game-changers like Clarkson, they do it predicated on the belief that he will be consistently available. Right now, he can't promise that.
Sadly, the data from the last few seasons makes it worse. Up until the last few seasons, Clarkson proved he could handle the grind of a full NBA season. However, he played in only 55 games last season, and the season before, only 61.
It's a sad reality that the Jazz may have to swallow Clarkson's contract whole because of his injury problems. While not the worst fate in the world, he's done enough to prove he deserves to see what he can do on a team that was of the same caliber as the Jazz teams he used to play for when he first joined the team.