Jordan Clarkson picks up option to stay in Utah, Jazz talking extension

As of Thursday morning, Jordan Clarkson is expected to pick up his player option as well as work towards an extension with the Utah Jazz so he can stick around for the future. Joining the Jazz in 2019, the former Sixth Man of the Year is the last of the Mitchell/Gobert core and provides crucial veteran leadership to the current young squad.

Rumors started circling last season before the extension deadline that the front office and the fan favorite were in extension talks, but ultimately nothing came out of those talks. Jazz fans everywhere are sure to be ecstatic about the news.

Clarkson and Jazz talking extension

After reportedly opting into the last year of his contract, worth $14 million, he and the Utah Jazz front office are in serious extension talks. Clarkson is highly coveted around the league. Every contending team yearns for a spark plug like Clarkson to come off the bench and give you 20 points.

The two camps are looking at a three-year extension starting at over $20 million per year. Honestly, a three-year contract worth $60 million is a good deal considering what Clarkson brings to the table for the Jazz.

What does this mean for the Utah Jazz moving forward?

It’s no secret around the league that you need veteran leadership on a rebuilding team. Just look at what went on in Houston this past season. The Rockets showed glimpses of an AAU team at times. Clarkson brings that veteran presence to the team to show these younger players how the league works.

Extending Clarkson opens up some trade possibilities this season; the former Sixth Man of the Year is highly coveted among contending teams, and there’s no doubt that Ainge loves piling up draft picks that he’s going to get in return. Watch for teams such as the 76ers, Lakers, Grizzlies, Knicks, and Cavaliers to be targeting him prior to the trade deadline.