Grade the Trade: Bucks add former Sixth Man of the Year in intriguing mock deal
The Jazz's POV on this mock trade
This deal makes far more sense for the Jazz, and they would likely be the happiest were this trade to go through. Steven Adams missed all of last season but is still a very impactful center and could be flipped for further assets. They would also take on Eason, who has value and is the sort of player teams would look to add if they were in a contending position. Add on a pair of draft picks down the line and they would come out smiling.
Clarkson's contract runs until the end of the 2025-26 season, and now, at 31, his stock is likely at an all-time high. He will be 33 when the contract ends, and whether the Jazz would want to extend and pay him again would be a huge question for them. While his value is high, cashing in on him and receiving two players of good value and two picks would be a good deal for them, especially in their current rebuilding phase.
Collin Sexton is still only 25, Keyonte George is entering his second year in the league and Isaiah Collier was a steal in this year's NBA Draft, so Clarkson would be taking minutes and shots away from what could be a really strong backcourt in the coming years.
Steven Adams can provide a veteran presence, and Eason would fit in alongside Markkanen, John Collins and Cody Williams in their wing rotation. Moving Clarkson now, with his value still high, would be their best move.
The Jazz are a young team and rebuilding after finishing the season with a 31-51 record in the 12th spot out West. That was ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies without Ja Morant, and we know the San Antonio Spurs are only going to get better, so many are expecting the Jazz to be one of the two worst teams in the conference.
Making this deal would make good sense for the Jazz, who would be moving a bigger contract and veteran player with value for a veteran center and solid young forward would help their rebuild along with stocking up on draft picks. Those two players could also be moved on again for more draft capital, so all signs would look good for Utah.
Grade for Jazz: A-