After huge trades last season, the Utah Jazz will be heading into their second year of rebuilding. In 2022-23, the Jazz finished 12th in the West and just missed the postseason. The Jazz has been fairly quiet this season but that could change with free agency starting tomorrow. Today, it was announced that Jazz SG Jordan Clarkson will exercise his $14.3 million player option. This will keep him with Utah for the 2023-24 season.
Sarah would like to Desert News He had the news of Clarkson’s return to Utah. The former second-round pick was the second-leading scorer in every game for the Jazz last season. Lauri Markkanen led the team with (25.6) points en route to his first All-Star selection.
After Clarkson and Markkanen, the Jazz had no other players who averaged at least 15 points per game. The Jazz wouldn’t be the same offensive team next season if they didn’t have Clarkson. Fortunately, he’s back for at least another year.
I’m told Jordan Clarkson will exercise his player option to stay with the Utah Jazz for the 2023-24 season, according to league sources.
This leaves the door open for the Jazz to extend his contract.– Sarah Todd (NBASarah) June 29, 2023
Jordan Clarkson has optioned his $14.3 million contract for the 2023-24 season
Last season, the 31-year-old was eligible for an extension. Reports say that the two sides held discussions, but were unable to reach an agreement. They knew Clarkson had a player option for the 2023-24 season that could keep him in the Jazz. Now that he’s signed up, he’s immediately eligible for an extension.
Thanks to a new CBA that will take effect soon, Clarkson now has a chance to make more money. Veterans can receive 140 percent of their current salary in the first year of the extension. This compares to 120 percent in the past. Clarkson could earn a higher base salary.
Last season for the Jazz, Clarkson played in 61 games. He averaged career highs (20.8) and (4.4) assists along with (4.0) rebounds. At the moment, Clarkson is the starting SG for the Utah Jazz. However, Ochai Agbaji could be SG in the future after Clarkson. Agbaje Clarkson may fight for minutes next season if he has a strong sophomore season.