Jordan Clarkson: ‘I’m Ready For’ Any Moves Jazz Make
Sep 21, 2022, 1:08 PM
Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz warms up before a game against the Houston Rockets at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 22, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Jordan Clarkson said he’s prepared to handle any decision the Jazz make regarding his future, whether he’s in Utah or somewhere else.
The guard spoke to Complex about the upcoming Jazz season and the trade rumors clouding his future.
“Whatever direction management, owners, and the team are trying to go, I’m ready for it,” Clarkson said.
@JordanClarksons keeps it real 😳
He sat down with Complex to discuss the Jazz, his time with the Lakers and more!
LINK for full interview: https://t.co/AgdjPrPH22 pic.twitter.com/LEDKYGKRwR
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) September 19, 2022
The high-scoring guard is just 14 months removed from being named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year and is the type of plug-and-play veteran playoff teams clamor for to push themselves into contenders status.
That’s made Clarkson a hot commodity in trade talks for the Jazz after sending Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers this offseason.
“I’m just trying to win and take whatever team it is to the next level to hopefully win a championship one day,” Clarkson said. “That’s my outlook on it.”
Clarkson has seen all sides of the NBA during his nine-year NBA career. The Missouri product was a second-round draft pick and spent the first four years of his career in the spotlight with a young, lottery-talent-laden Los Angeles Lakers team.
The guard was then traded to the Cavaliers to act in a supporting role on LeBron James Finals teams.
Clarkson was then redirected to the Jazz who also found themselves looking to make a deep playoff run where he carved out a niche as one of the premiere second-unit players in the NBA.
Both Jordan Clarkson and Mike Conley have arrived in Utah despite ongoing trade rumors with the @utahjazz. #TakeNote https://t.co/eAKDTVSUZP
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 19, 2022
After three straight trips to the playoffs with the Jazz, the 30-year-old admitted a step backward on a rebuilding team may be difficult.
“We had the best record in the league two years ago,” Clarkson said. “This last year wasn’t the greatest, but we still finished top four in the West. We had another chance to win a championship and it all got squandered.”
Despite his disappointment, Clarkson did acknowledge his goal with the Jazz remains unchanged.
“If I’m here in Utah, I want to win,” he said. “I want to strive for the playoffs, try to put a team together that could win something.”
The Jazz open training camp on September 17. Clarkson has one guaranteed year remaining on his contract with the Jazz, with a player option for a second season.
