Possible trade activities in Jazz
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, there is a belief among certain NBA officials that the Utah Jazz may contemplate trading Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson during the upcoming summer. Scotto’s report indicates that rival executives believe that both guards might be offered on the trade market.
Executives also feel that Utah’s selections in the 2024 NBA Draft “can be found on the trade market as the Jazz look to enhance the roster,” according to Scotto. The Jazz have two first-round picks at No. 10 and No. 29, and another pick in the second round at No. 32.
The Influence and Potential Future of Collin Sexton
Both Sexton and Clarkson still have two years left on their current contracts before they become unrestricted free agents in 2026. In his second season playing for the Jazz, Sexton managed to average 18.7 points and 4.9 assists across 78 games and 51 starts. His cap hit for the 2024-25 season is projected to be $18.35 million.
Even though Sexton provided consistent performance as a starting player for the Jazz in the last two months of the season, the team also relied significantly on 2023 first-round selection Keyonte George during that time. If the Jazz opt to rely on George as their main point guard moving forward, they may choose to trade Sexton instead of restricting him to a reduced role.
Rival executives believe the Jazz could make Collin Sexton available on the trade market this offseason, per @MikeAScotto (https://t.co/c7wZcnr0R3).
Sexton averaged 18.7 points and 4.9 assists while shooting 39.4% on threes this season. pic.twitter.com/u4N3OXyWZy
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 15, 2024
The performance of Jordan Clarkson and his potential for being traded.
In his fourth complete season with Utah, Clarkson registered 17.1 points and 5.0 assists in 55 games and 19 starts. The ex-Sixth Man of the Year will have a cap hit of slightly over $14 million next season, a notable drop from his $23.5 million salary last season.
It is probable that this will help the Jazz in finding a new team for Clarkson, despite his shooting percentage of 29.4 being a career-low last season which might cause hesitation in potential trade deals.
Jazz’s Approach to Roster Building and Selection of New Players
In spite of the Jazz’s strong performance towards the end of the season, Utah ended the 2023-24 season with a 31-51 record. Regardless of Clarkson and Sexton’s involvement, Utah will need to make some changes to their roster this summer after missing the playoffs for the second year in a row. Currently, the Jazz are concentrating on ways to strengthen their team through draft picks and possible trades.
Strategic Considerations for Utah Jazz
The Jazz’s decision to potentially trade Sexton and Clarkson comes down to strategic considerations. If Keyonte George is seen as the future at the point guard position, Sexton’s role could be diminished. Moving him now, while his value remains high, could bring in assets that better align with the team’s long-term goals.
Similarly, Clarkson’s reduced salary might make him a more attractive trade piece, despite his shooting struggles. Teams looking for a proven scorer off the bench might overlook his recent decline in three-point percentage in favor of his overall experience and capability.
Possible Trade Scenarios
Possible trade scenarios for Sexton and Clarkson could involve acquiring more draft picks or established players who fit better with the Jazz’s vision. Teams with a need for guard depth and scoring might see Sexton and Clarkson as valuable additions. The Jazz, in turn, could benefit from adding younger talent or players in positions where they lack depth.
Potential outcomes for the future of jazz
The Jazz’s management must consider the trade-offs of trading Sexton and Clarkson versus retaining them on the roster. Considering the Jazz’s recent performance and future goals, these choices will play a crucial role in determining the team’s competitive advantage for the seasons to come.
Summary
During the NBA offseason, people will closely watch the Utah Jazz to see how they manage their roster adjustments. Through trades, draft picks, or strategic player development, the Jazz’s decisions will be crucial in shaping their future success. With Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson possibly joining the team, the Jazz could undergo major transformations that alter their future trajectory.