The NBA trade deadline is now within two weeks, and the Utah Jazz are definitely sellers this year, as they're looking to gain as much draft capital in the loaded 2025 draft class as they can. Jordan Clarkson is one of the biggest assets they can trade away this season, and finding a trade partner for Clarkson could be a win-win-win for all parties involved.
Three teams are beginning to stand out as suitors for Clarkson's services, all of which are playoff contenders looking to bolster their next title run. Even though they may not be able to offer the most premium draft picks, the Jazz have shown the savviness of acquiring better draft picks with their existing capital. The question has become which team can offer the best deal to the Jazz.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks have been decimated by injuries so far, with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving already missing time, and Dereck Lively's ankle fracture only exacerbating the injury issue. The Mavericks need more depth, not only to survive the injury bug but also to power up for the playoffs.
Jordan Clarkson is a perfect fit for Dallas's needs. With his flexibility to play both guard positions, he can back up Irving and Doncic in a role he's already proven he can thrive in. The former NBA Sixth Man of the Year could significantly improve the Mavericks' offensive depth by himself.
Regarding compensation, the Mavericks could structure a trade involving Jazz alum Dante Exum and Maxi Kleber to match Clarkson's salary. The Mavericks also own 2025 and 2026 first-round picks and a 2025 second-round pick to sweeten the deal for the Jazz
LA Clippers
The Clippers have been one of the more surprising teams in the NBA this season. They are leading their division and in prime contention for a playoff spot, all with Kawhi Leonard only playing six games so far this season. Clarkson could be a fit in LA for many similar reasons to his fit in Dallas.
Clarkson would be an instant upgrade over Amir Coffey, Kevin Porter Jr, and Terance Mann, and could be acquired by the Clippers without compromising their core players. Their draft capital isn't as favorable, though, only owning a pick swap with the Thunder in which the Thunder get the more favorable in 2025, and they don't outright own any of their own first-round picks until 2030.
New York Knicks
The New York Knicks have had a very successful season so far, but are relying heavily on their starters for minutes. Over the grind of the long NBA season, this could be a problem come the playoffs. Insert Jordan Clarkson, and the Knicks get immediate upgrades to their backcourt depth behind Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson.
Clarkson could take a few minutes off Brunson and Hart while also likely providing more value than Miles McBride, Cameron Payne, and Landry Shamet. He would also fit philosophically with Tom Thibodeau's limited rotation. Thibodeau would rather be able to insert one guy to play both guard positions than have the three sharing minutes off the bench.
The Knicks own two 2025 first-round picks and two second-round picks, but their first-rounders are protected: Detroit's top-13 and Washington's top-10. Their 2026 first-round pick is up for grabs, however.
With Clarkson being shopped around, these three teams seem to have a strong case for a trade partner with the Jazz, but which would the Jazz prefer to deal with? Only the next two weeks will be able to tell us.