Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson intends to exercise his $14.26MM player option for 2023/24, avoiding free agency and keeping him off the open market, league sources tell Sarah Todd of The Deseret News (Twitter link).
As Todd notes, by picking up his option, Clarkson would become extension-eligible immediately. He was eligible for an in-season extension in ’22/23 as well, and multiple reports said that scenario was discussed.
However, Clarkson can earn more money on a potential extension in a couple days due to a change in the new CBA, which allows veterans to receive 140% of their current salary in the first year of an extension instead of 120%. If the Jazz don’t make further roster additions in free agency, it’s possible they could use some of their cap space to renegotiate and extend Clarkson, which would give him a higher base salary in year one with a declining structure in subsequent seasons. That’s what the Pacers and Myles Turner did during the season.
Clarkson, who turned 31 earlier this month, averaged career highs in multiple categories in 2022/23, including points (20.8), assists (4.4), rebounds (4.0; tied with two other seasons) and minutes per game (32.6) in 61 contests, all starts. His overall shooting slash line of .444/.338/.816 was very close to his career averages (.440/.338/.826), but his efficiency was up a tick because he attempted more three-pointers and free throws.
While Clarkson can score on anyone, he’s also a poor defensive player and over 30, which limits his upside. Hoping to reach an extension makes sense if he’s comfortable in Utah, though it’s worth noting that he’ll be trade-eligible after opting in. If he signs an extension that places him under contract for more than three total seasons, includes a raise greater than 5%, or includes a renegotiation, he’ll become ineligible to be dealt for six months.
The Jazz also decided to keep big man Kelly Olynyk, whose $12.2MM contract for ’23/24 was only partially guaranteed at $3MM. Since he wasn’t waived last night, his contract is now fully guaranteed. The news was expected, as GM Justin Zanik said after the season ended that he anticipated having Olynyk back.
The full list of player option decisions for 2023/24 can be found right here.
I thought for sure Jordan Clarkson would opt out but he opted in so he’s going to be the Starting Shooting Guard. Ochai Agbaji will continue to come off the bench as the 8th man because the 6th man will be Collin Sexton and the 7th man would be Kelly Olynyk. The starters should be.
SF Lauri Markkanen
PF John Collins
C Walker Kessler
SG Jordan Clarkson
PG Talen Horton-Tucker
This is a team that can compete and only get better as the year goes on.
Kris Dunn or Colin Sexton will start at PG for the Jazz. Dunn is a better playmaker, defender and shooter…well OK just a better basketball player. Same with Sexton.
Agreed. I think Dunn proved last year he deserved at least a larger role. It’s been said they like Sexton in the 6th man role. That would put Dunn in the driver seat to start unless THT has an impressive training camp.
Could see them trading both Clarkson and Olynyk.
Surprising only because of the prior reports, which suggested he would be a hot commodity if he became a FA. I never bought that, but figured he would opt out, if only because he could better his 1 year contract even without a raise in annual salary. His agents obviously think that would be difficult as well.
This report then shows that if he’s not traded before they agree to an extension, then he’ll be with the Jazz for at least 6 months.
The Jazz have lots of depth options still. However, as they’re constructed, I think this team could be a playoff team cuz they now have the green light to win. Felt like it was the opposite last year, but they won anyway. Lol
The new cba was just barely released. Old cba still in effect so the rules get weird. Doubt the jazz flip Clarkson or ko so teams can take advantage of the old sant rules. Mainly because the Colin’s trade isn’t official until July 7th.
Clarkson was probably hoping to get other teams to promise over 20m but that never materialized. The jazz can offer the most so he is hedging to option and extend under new cba. 140% vs 120% is big deal. Plus it’s based off his 14.2 now versus 13mm before opting in.
The other argument is total years guaranteed. Looks like 3 year max extension. Even if it’s more just means he is playing until Dec before being traded. 6mos trade rule.
Can’t see the jazz wanting to trade him unless they wanted to leverage his contract. If anything, the jazz may want to lock him up so teams do not ask for him if Dame or Harden wanted to come to the jazz.
Not saying harden wants to come here but he is opting in so he can be traded to someone.
Dame isn’t available until July 7th and neither party has said they want a deal.
The heat want him for sure but so would other teams.
Jazz likely have made their splash trades at this point. Only mentioned pg that are upgrades that the jazz might say we are open for trades again.
For now, the jazz look great!
The Jazz still have $11.9M cap space. They also have a bunch of trade exceptions between $2.7M – 9.6M. They could combine the $9.6M with their cap space for a $21.5M player. Add 25% and that’s $26.87M. That’s another possible big splash.
Plus, then the Jazz could still sign a $12.5M player with the non-tax payer Mid-Level, along with a $4.5M player with the Bi-Annual exception. The only issue is then roster spots.
Of course, what they bring back would have to fit within their cap. Can only go over the cap to sign your own players and the exceptions. You also can’t combine exceptions to trade for one player.