The Utah Jazz have already had a busy offseason. They selected a player fifth overall, Ace Bailey, who openly stated he didn't want to play for the team. They traded up to select Florida Gator legend Walter Clayton Jr. with the 18th pick and later selected John Tonje in the second round.
Utah made another move, trading guard Collin Sexton and a second-round pick to the Hornets for Jusuf Nurkic, whose best days are well behind him. The trade left NBA fans across the country confused due to the seemingly lopsided nature of the deal.
However, the move indicates the organization's trust and vision for Clayton. With Sexton out of the picture, that left a clear top four in the Jazz backcourt: Isaiah Collier, Keyonte George, Jordan Clarkson, and Clayton.
Well just to make the path even more clear for Clayton, Utah then bought out Clarkson's contract, leaving the Jazz with three main guards heading into 2025-26.
Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. has a clear path with the Utah Jazz
There's not many better scenarios for a mid-to-late first-rounder like Clayton, and if there's one thing Gator fans know about Clayton, it's that he's willing to rise to the occasion.
One thing working in Clayton's favor is his all-around game. Unlike his backcourt competition, there aren't any glaring holes in Clayton's game.
He's an outstanding shooter, quality facilitator and an impactful defender.
Above all, Clayton just plays winning basketball. And although Utah wasn't exactly trying to win during the 2024-25 season, their selections of older, pro-ready players like Clayton and Tonje indicate they probably won't be openly tanking.
If Clayton can be a connective piece and contribute positively in multiple facets, he could wind up landing a starting spot immediately.
By dealing Sexton and Clarkson in the manner they did, Utah showed Jazz and Florida fans alike their belief in Clayton to be an instant contributor, no matter what role he winds up playing.
And if the Jazz do wind up taking a dive for AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer or Darryn Peterson, they have plenty of incentive to give Clayton major minutes considering they invested plenty to move up and select the Gator legend 18th overall.