The Utah Jazz are coming off of a thrilling victory over the Dallas Mavericks in their first home win of the season.
It was a team effort by the Jazz, who had six scorers — John Collins (28), Jordan Clarkson (20), Collin Sexton (16), Keyonte George (14), Kyle Filipowski (14), and Lauri Markkanen (13) —all scoring in double-figures. In the process, the Jazz were able to go up by as many as 16 points, which occurred early in the fourth quarter. Miscues from Clarkson down the stretch were the primary reason the game ended up going down to the wire. Nonetheless, it was one —if not the —best performances from the 2021 Sixth Man of the Year this season.
Now the question is if Utah’s veterans —namely Clarkson, Collins, and Sexton —will do or are doing enough to boost their trade value.
Jazz Veterans Beginning To Boost Trade Value
Jordan Clarkson
At one point during the 2024 offseason, Clarkson seemed like the player the Jazz were most likely to move.
His 2023-24 campaign was frankly underwhelming, both on film and on the stat sheet. In 55 games, he had managed averages of 17.1 points and 5.0 assists per game but shot just 41.3 percent from the field and 29.4 percent from deep. He ended up losing his starting spot to Sexton because of his inefficiency and ineffectiveness on defense.
It’s no wonder why he didn’t have a trade market in the summer.
It’s early, but Clarkson hasn’t done much to boost his trade stock. In nine games, he’s averaging 15.0 points and 3.9 assists per game, lower production that matches a decrease in minutes. What’s concerning is that he’s shooting just 40.0 percent from the field and 30.5 percent from three. His defense, particularly when he’s off-ball, has improved though.
A team looking for an offensive-minded guard who’s constantly on the attack, or just extra firepower in their second unit, could have interest in Clarkson. Multiple contenders with weaker benches come to mind, like the Mavs and Los Angeles Clippers.
John Collins
Collins has long been rumored to be on the trading block.
The 27-year-old has been on a downside since his career season with the Atlanta Hawks in 2019-20, when he posted 21.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 40.1 percent from three. In 2023-24, Collins averaged 15.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game while converting 37.1 percent of his threes. Yet, while the production was solid, he often looked out of sorts.
Collins is a great vertical and straight-line athlete but when asked to cover ground laterally, his defensive shortcomings get exposed. Unfortunately, he’s undersized at center at 6-foot-9 and 235 pounds, and that often shows up too. This season, he’s played center more often, so his biggest challenge is banging around with the big boys. However, he’s a high energy player, and his motor helps him overcome his limitations to some extent.
Those concerns aside, Collins’s shot-selection and decision-making were questionable at the start of the 2024-25 season. Still, he’s been picking up his game as of late. He’s now averaging 18.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while knocking down 37.1 percent of his threes.
Whether he’s a starter or sixth man, he could help contenders looking to fill a frontcourt void. Teams like the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers come to mind.
Collin Sexton
Sexton is perhaps the most interesting case. Though Clarkson is a fan favorite, Sexton has developed a bit of a cult following since his days with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
His detractors have criticized his understanding of the finer points of the game. His supporters have celebrated his statistical success and high energy approach. The truth is always somewhere in the middle. Sexton was never as behind the curve with his basketball IQ as was suggested. Yet, he wasn’t polished enough for a team desperate to escape LeBron James’s enormous shadow.
By the time Sexton left the Cavs, his reputation had been tainted so much that Jazz head coach Will Hardy admitted to evaluating him off of preconceived notions. There’s no doubt that it’s also affected his trade value. However, at least three contenders —the Bucks, Lakers, and New York Knicks—are rumored to have had interest in him over the last year.
A trade could help him fully breakout, as Hardy’s issues with favoritism negatively impact his opportunities. To that point, Sexton averaged 21.1 points and 5.6 assists as a starter in 2023-24. This season, he’s posting 15.7 points and 3.9 assists per game, the ball often taken out of his hands though he’s shooting 45.6 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from three.
Despite his decrease in production, he’s improved. He plays more of a team-oriented style offensively. His strength and tenacity help him play bigger than his size when he’s crashing the glass or setting screens. Lastly, he makes his opponents work hard to for their points, whether he’s off-ball or on-ball.
