The Utah Jazz entered this offseason with a clear plan: reset the roster and prioritize the future. And they didn’t waste time making that vision a reality. Collin Sexton and John Collins were both moved in trades, while Jordan Clarkson was waived-an outcome that, while not ideal, now looks more like a calculated decision than a desperate one.
Clarkson’s departure wasn’t just about clearing cap space or trimming the depth chart. It was about opening the door for Utah’s young guards to take the reins.
And looking at Clarkson’s shooting slump this season, it’s hard to argue with the Jazz’s timing. His jump shot-once a reliable part of his offensive game-has taken a noticeable dip.
We're not talking about a minor cold streak here. A drop in effective field goal percentage on jumpers, compared to last season, put him among the league’s sharpest declines in that category.
Now, Clarkson was never a volume sniper in the mold of Stephen Curry, but he’s long been a microwave scorer-someone who could come off the bench and swing momentum with a quick scoring burst. When that part of his game isn’t clicking, his value changes. And for a rebuilding team like the Jazz, who are trying to develop a young backcourt, keeping a veteran guard who’s not producing at his usual clip can complicate things.
Had Utah held onto Clarkson, they risked stalling the growth of their young guards-players who’ve looked increasingly comfortable with expanded roles since his exit. It’s the kind of roster logjam that can quietly hurt a rebuild.
You can’t develop talent if you’re not giving it space to grow. So while the Jazz might not have gotten a trade return for Clarkson, the decision to waive him looks more like a proactive move than a last resort.
That said, this isn’t a knock on Clarkson’s career or his time in Utah. He was a steady presence through the team’s highs and lows, a Sixth Man of the Year winner, and a fan favorite.
But sometimes, the right move for a franchise doesn’t come with a storybook ending. The truth is, waiving Clarkson might have been the Jazz’s best option-even if it wasn’t how anyone wanted it to end.
Fast forward to the NBA Cup Final, and Clarkson reminded everyone why he’s still got plenty left in the tank. Suiting up for the Knicks, he delivered in a big way, helping New York secure the third NBA Cup.
Sure, the Cup doesn’t carry the same weight as a championship, but the stakes were real, and Clarkson rose to the moment. It’s the kind of performance that explains why the Knicks were quick to pounce when he hit the market.
That game also showed why Utah was reluctant to simply give him away earlier in the year. Even in a down shooting season, Clarkson can still be a difference-maker-especially in a playoff-type setting where experience and composure matter. He might not have brought back assets in a trade, but he brought value to the Knicks the moment he stepped on the floor.
In the end, both sides got what they needed. Utah cleared the way for its young core, and Clarkson landed in a situation where his skill set still matters. It’s a rare win-win in a league where those are hard to come by.