Valley of the Suns
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3 possible trades between the contending Phoenix Suns and the rebuilding Utah Jazz

By Peter O'Keefe

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 08: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz drives around Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 08, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 08: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz drives around Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 08, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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Jordan Clarkson and Mikal Bridges, Phoenix Suns (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Jordan Clarkson and Mikal Bridges, Phoenix Suns (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

2. Phoenix Suns land former Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson

As the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year in 2021, Jordan Clarkson appears like a prime candidate to be moved on from the Jazz.

Being a microwave scorer off the bench, Clarkson is more of a complimentary piece to a roster rather than any substantial component to a rebuild.

The 30-year-old is set to make $13.3 million next season, with a player option of $14.3 million in 2023-24. This makes him a very gettable target for any team needing a scoring punch off the bench.

The Suns were 18th in bench scoring last regular season, proving as an aspect for improvement for a team that finished with the league’s best record by eight games.

Clarkson could provide that, having averaged 15.4 points across his nine-year career in the NBA. Here’s how a potential deal could go down –

"Phoenix Receive: Jordan Clarkson Utah Receive: Dario Saric, Torrey Craig, Top 10 Protected 2025 First-Round Pick"

The Jazz don’t really have a need for Saric or Craig, but they are both expiring contracts that give them flexibility. Perhaps they play them early in the season to increase value before trading them elsewhere, or they could organise a contract buyout soon after a deal took place.

The Suns do lose two players who could be part of the rotation, but they’re replaceable with what’s already on the roster.

They’ll need to give up a first-round pick for Clarkson, but Jones and the front office will likely push for some protections just in case things go awry in the next couple of years.

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