The Utah Jazz will probably try to trade Jordan Clarkson from now until the 2026 NBA Trade Deadline. Whether or not they'll be successful in that endeavor, something abundantly clear is that his days with the Jazz are numbered, no matter what.
Clarkson has been in the rumor mill for years, indicating the Jazz have wanted and still want to trade him. The former Sixth Man of the Year has indicated that he understands this, as he admitted during his exit press conference that he wants to play meaningful basketball as what's left of his prime comes to an end.
However, Clarkson may finish his contract with the Jazz regardless. Even if he does, Deseret News' Sarah Todd revealed that all indications are that if and when Clarkson and Utah cross that bridge, their union will dissolve next year.
"Clarkson is heading into the final year of his contract. As an expiring deal, the Jazz might look to finally move him. But if they don’t, I’d be shocked if this upcoming season wasn’t the last we see of Clarkson in a Jazz jersey," Todd wrote.
Anyone who takes a simple look at the Jazz roster can see why. They have two young guards, Isaiah Collier and Keyonte George, whom they will want to develop going forward. They may add another one if they lose the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes.
They also have Collin Sexton and Jaden Springer, whose futures are also uncertain in Utah, but they are younger than Clarkson and could have roles with the team going forward. Clarkson's loyalty to Utah has been great, but it's been clear for years now that he is the past.
Clarkson shouldn't get in the way of the Jazz's presumed tank next year
Harping on the possibility that Clarkson may play out his contract in Utah, which would be a shame because it has negatively affected him as a player, it wouldn't be too much of a problem if that's how things turn out—for Utah, that is.
Clarkson has only become more of a square peg in the round hole that is the Jazz as time has gone on, but the Jazz did a solid, albeit depressing, job of keeping him out of games to ensure he didn't interfere with their plans. They would likely do it again if he's still on the team unless they knew he had a serious suitor.
That's not fair to Clarkson, but because all indications are the Jazz will likely bottom out for another top pick next year, those are the choices rebuilding teams make. Besides, there would be a light at the end of the tunnel for Clarkson even if Utah couldn't find a trade for him.
If nothing materializes between this offseason and the trade deadline, it wouldn't be farfetched to suggest Utah just waives him mid-season. Clarkson could then potentially make more money with the next team he plays for, and he'd then get the chance to show out for one last contract.
It'd be a shame if Clarkson's time in Utah ends with a whimper, but that's the way of the world when a veteran plays for a rebuilding team.