Reports: Jordan Clarkson has received interest from the Milwaukee Bucks, Jazz hesitant to receive former player as a part of the trade
Just a day before the start of training camp, it was reported that the Milwaukee Bucks were interested in Jordan Clarkson. However, the deal did not go through because the Utah Jazz were not happy with what they were getting in return.
The Jazz traded two superstars in the offseason and are currently focusing on rebuilding. They started off by trading away Rudy Gobert. The big man signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for four players and some first-round draft picks.
The Cleveland Cavaliers then signed Donovan Mitchell and the Jazz received five picks and three players in return.
Many wondered if Clarkson would be leaving next as the Jazz are fully rebuilding. However, apart from the Milwaukee Bucks, not many teams lined up to acquire one of the best shot creators in the league.
On "The Bill Riley Show," Tony Jones of The Athletic spoke about the Milwaukee Bucks' interest in Clarkson. He claimed that they failed to reach terms because the Jazz were not interested in getting George Hill in return:
"Milwaukee showed a lot of interest in him but the Jazz would have had to take back George Hill in a potential trade, and they weren’t going to do that. That was kind of a non-starter for them. But other than Milwaukee, I don’t think there’s really been a serious suitor for Jordan."
The Milwaukee Bucks have shown ‘a lot’ of interest in Jordan Clarkson, per @Tjonesonthenba
“But the Jazz would have had to take back George Hill in a potential trade, and they weren’t going to do that. That was kind of a non-starter for them.”
(Via The Bill Riley Show) https://t.co/zZSYEm0KF4
How would Jordan Clarkson fit into the Milwaukee Bucks squad?
The Bucks are desperate to win another championship with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the line. They failed to defend their title last season, losing in seven games to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Many argued that the outcome would have been different had Khris Middleton been healthy.
The Bucks understand the need to bolster their bench, which is why they are considering Clarkson. The former Sixth Man of the Year can keep the offense going while the starters take a breather.
Although he is not an elite defender, his size and length give him an advantage in his position. He is also a decent on-ball defender. Since there isn't much production on the Bucks' bench, Clarkson could be an important piece for them.
However, other reports suggest that Clarkson is happy to stay in Utah despite the rebuild. He will also have the opportunity to lead the team and play as a starter for the first time since his sophomore year.
The Milwaukee Bucks start their preseason against the Memphis Grizzlies on Oct. 2.