Jalen Brunson & Josh Hart's words on Jordan Clarkson make Jazz move more frustrating

After five and a half seasons, the Utah Jazz cut ties with Jordan Clarkson this offseason. The former Sixth Man of the Year simply had no market, which made that extension feel like a waste of money. Even worse is that his new New York Knicks teammates, Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson, praised what Clarkson brings, which makes it harder that the Jazz couldn't find a trade partner for him.

On their podcast, "The Roommates Show," Hart and Brunson voiced their excitement for Clarkson. Hart, who played with Clarkson for half a season with the Los Angeles Lakers, explained why the Knicks need exactly what Clarkson brings to the table.

"I was excited. I mean, great dude, gonna fit right into the culture that we have, obviously. Someone that can create his own shot, can break down the defense, and we needed that at times last year, so he will be a great addition in terms of role and also as a locker room guy," Hart said.

Brunson echoed the same sentiment, though he didn't have as much to say about Clarkson.

"Good dude, surrounds himself with some good people that I know. A great addition for us for sure," Brunson said.

What they said about Clarkson isn't wrong. When he was on the floor last season, Clarkson proved that he's still got a lot of good basketball left in the tank. He is still in his prime, even if it may not be for much longer. That makes it all the more frustrating that while he had interested suitors lined up once he got waived, he didn't have any trade suitors.

The Jazz brought this onto themselves to some extent, but making it worse is that Clarkson's archetype simply isn't valued that much in today's NBA. Collin Sexton didn't get any value back, and other players like them - Anfernee Simons and Jordan Poole - were traded for basically nothing.

At least Utah can officially say that it's over now. Plus, there's another way to look at the bright side of this.

It could be so much worse for Utah

Indeed, in hindsight, Utah never should have given Clarkson that extension back in 2023. The fact of the matter is, Clarkson stayed loyal to Utah through thick and thin, and that doesn't always happen with the Jazz.

However, while from a sentimental standpoint, it's nice that Clarkson elected to stay, but even better than that, look at what's happened with some of the other players who have been bought out besides Clarkson. Milwaukee will pay Damian Lillard $100 million over the next five years to play against them.

Phoenix will do the same with Bradley Beal. Portland will pay Deandre Ayton more than twice what Utah is paying Clarkson in dead money. The Clarkson era didn't end on a good note, but Utah isn't paying too dearly for their mistake, and several other teams are paying much more for theirs.