3 NBA trade deadline predictions for the Utah Jazz

Utah Jazz trade deadline prediction #3: Jordan Clarkson remains in Salt Lake City

If you’ve been reading the J-Notes closely, you know that we’re not exactly opposed to a Jordan Clarkson trade. However, this article is about predictions. We have a feeling Clarkson is staying put.

If not for Ingles’ unfortunate injury, we may feel differently. It felt unwise to trade Ingles for a 3-and-D wing when Ingles himself was essentially a 3-and-D wing. Now that he doesn’t factor into the team’s 2021-22 plans, the calculus is different.

The Jazz will now be afforded the luxury of retaining Clarkson’s shot creation while acquiring a player to replace Ingles. Arguably, that’s a generous way of framing the situation. It feels wrong to identify any positives in Ingles’ injury.

It just makes decision making a little easier. With Ingles becoming the obvious trade chip, there’s no reason to part with Clarkson’s talents unless he’s required in an offer the Jazz can’t refuse.

Hopefully, he can learn to co-exist with Donovan Mitchell in the latter portion of the season.

Any basketball fan can agree this is one of the most exciting portions of the season, whether they pull for the Utah Jazz or not. Expect the Jazz to roster at least one exciting new player by the upcoming weekend.