If the price is right, Brooklyn should go after Jordan Clarkson
By Josh Rudy
According to Basketball Insiders and other sources, the Lakers are actively trying to move guard Jordan Clarkson. Should the Brooklyn Nets make an offer for the soon-to-be 25 year old?
In their most recent mock draft, Basketball Insiders revealed information that could be of use for the Brooklyn Nets. In the “blurbs” of information after stating their projected first round picks, draft expert Moke Hamilton said:
"“I’ve been told by someone in the know that the Lakers are “increasingly open-minded” about trading Jordan Clarkson and to not be surprised for him to end up being moved as soon as draft night.”"
With most people believing the Lakers will select Lonzo Ball on draft night, it makes sense for them to move someone out. Many thought the odd-man out could be D’Angelo Russell, but it appears as if new GM Magic Johnson has other plans.
Clarkson is entering his fourth year in the league. He is signed through the 2019-20 season and will make roughly $12.5, $11.5, $12.5, $13.4 million per season, in that order. The Nets have approximately $33 million in cap space.
It is difficult to determine exactly how much cap space the Nets would have remaining if they traded for Clarkson, because there has been no information as to who the Nets would move to get the dynamic scoring guard.
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The shooting guard position was a weak spot for the Nets last season. With all due respect to the veteran Randy Foye, his production did not garner a starting spot. While he did not play starter’s minutes, it was clear there was a void in the roster at that position. Clarkson could immediately fill that void.
Here are Clarkson’s numbers from last season while playing 29.2 minutes per game. He appeared in all 82 games, and started in 19.
Points Per Game: 14.7
Rebounds Per Game: 3.0
Assists Per Game: 2.6
Shooting Percentages (FG, 3P, FT): 45/33/80
At a Per 36 minute rate, his numbers inflate to 18.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.2 APG. The Nets would gladly take those numbers, especially for approximately $12 million per season.
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It is yet to be seen what the Lakers are looking for in return for Clarkson, but the Nets should evaluate the situation. Because of his young age, would the Nets be interested in shipping one of their first-round picks to Los Angeles in exchange for Clarkson? Only time will tell.
The Nets are now seeing plenty of opportunities arise. Portland is looking for a suitor for their “salary dump” and is willing to attach a first-rounder with the player. Now Los Angeles is looking to move Clarkson. The advantages of having a plethora of cap space are finally coming to the forefront. Nets fans should be excited, and should expect things to happen in the time coming.
If the price is right for Clarkson, the Nets should welcome the scoring guard with open arms.