Jordan Clarkson is finalizing a buyout with the Jazz and will become a free agent targeting contenders. Utah is also waiving Johnny Juzang as part of a broader backcourt overhaul following their draft acquisitions of Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr.
Veteran guard Jordan Clarkson is finalizing a buyout agreement with the Jazz, sources tell Shams Charania of ESPN.
Jordan Clarkson
Jordan Clarkson
Team: Utah Jazz
Position: PG, SG
Age: 33
Height: 191 cm
Weight: 82 kg
Birth place: United States of America
According to Charania, Clarkson plans to prioritize contenders when he becomes a free agent, which will occur two days after he’s officially released by Utah. “Multiple playoff teams” are expected to be interested in the 33-year-old, Charania adds.
Clarkson was on an expiring contract that will pay him about $14.3MM in 2025/26. It remains to be seen how much of that he’ll be giving back.
The Knicks are a team to monitor for Clarkson, according to Steve Popper of Newsday, who says New York has expressed a level of interest in the former Sixth Man of the Year winner in prior trade talks.
Jordan Clarkson is finalizing a contract buyout with the Utah Jazz, paving the way for the veteran guard to become an unrestricted free agent, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Once the move is official, Clarkson plans to prioritize signing with a championship contender, with “multiple playoff teams” already expressing interest.
The 33-year-old averaged 16.2 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.2 rebounds last season across 37 games, his lowest appearance total since 2016 due to a left foot injury and the Jazz’s positioning in the lottery race. Despite the limited run, he maintained efficiency with a shooting line of 40.8% from the field, 36.2% from three, and 79.7% from the free-throw line.
Clarkson was the last remaining player from Utah’s 2022 playoff roster and a key piece of the Jazz’s previous era. He joined the franchise during the 2019–20 season and won NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2021.
The Jazz had attempted to trade Clarkson—who was on an expiring deal worth $14.3 million—but ultimately couldn’t secure a deal. Once the buyout is finalized, Clarkson will be free to join another team two days after being officially released.
Utah appears fully committed to a youth movement. After missing the playoffs for two straight seasons, the franchise is reshaping its identity, prioritizing development around its newly acquired backcourt core. With Clarkson and Juzang gone, the door is open for Bailey, Clayton Jr., and returning guards like Keyonte George to take on expanded roles.
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