With the news that Kevin Porter Jr. is planning on declining his player option and hitting the open market, the Milwaukee Bucks need to start looking to pivot if they lose him in free agency. Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz is an option that could provide the same sort of scoring spark the team would lose if Porter signs elsewhere.
Clarkson would provide an immediate spark off the Bucks bench
The Utah Jazz are in the midst of a rebuild, and veteran players like Clarkson are always on the trade block for the right price. That cost may have decreased with the Jazz looking at several guards, such as Tre Johnson, VJ Edgecombe, and Jeremiah Fears, with the fifth pick in this year's draft. If Milwaukee were able to land Clarkson, he would be a perfect fit in the second unit.
Clarkson played in just 37 games for the tanking Jazz last season, averaging 16.2 points per game. A change of scenery where Clarkson can play more meaningful basketball would likely be welcomed, especially with the crowded backcourt in Utah.
Jordan Clarkson would immediately have a significant role in the Bucks' rotation, and with Lillard out and Brook Lopez likely to leave, Clarkson would add a much-needed scoring boost to Milwaukee's roster, especially if Porter departs.
To make a trade like this happen, the Bucks would likely need to give up Pat Connaughton and a young player with potential (perhaps Andre Jackson Jr.) to provide some interest from Utah at the very least. Danny Ainge tends to drive a hard bargain, so odds are Utah is going to want a bit more in that package to make it worth their while. With limited picks available, the main hangup would be whether Milwaukee has anything Utah would want in return for a player of Clarkson's caliber.
If both sides were to agree, Clarkson's fit would be seamless. He would provide an immediate scoring punch, replacing what we saw from KPJ last season. He also would be a more reliable outside shooter with the ability to catch fire in a hurry. He has thrived in this position his entire career, and there is no reason to believe he wouldn't do the same with the Milwaukee Bucks.
With the backcourt for Milwaukee in flux, adding another scoring punch without giving up a significant piece could be huge. The Jazz are a team Bucks fans should keep their eye on this offseason.