Utah Jazz and Jordan Clarkson reportedly nearing buyout deal

The Utah Jazz and veteran guard Jordan Clarkson are reportedly finalizing a contract buyout, a move that would make the former Sixth Man of the Year an unrestricted free agent and allow him to pursue opportunities with contending teams. 

Sources close to the situation, including ESPN’s Shams Charania, indicated that the buyout was being finalized on Monday.

Clarkson, 33, was set to earn approximately $14.3 million in the final year of his contract with the Jazz for the 2025-26 season. However, with Utah firmly in a rebuilding phase and aiming to allocate more playing time to its younger backcourt talent, a mutual parting of ways appears to be the logical next step for both parties. 

The Jazz recently drafted promising young guards like Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr., and also traded Collin Sexton to the Charlotte Hornets for Jusuf Nurkic over the weekend, signaling a clear shift towards youth.

Since joining the Jazz in December 2019 via a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Clarkson has been a consistent offensive spark off the bench. He flourished in Utah, earning the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award in the 2020-21 season and consistently delivering instant offense. 

Across 342 appearances for the Jazz, he averaged 17.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. In the 2024-25 campaign, he averaged 16.2 points and shot 36.2% from three-point range in 37 games, though he was hampered by a left foot injury.

For Clarkson, this buyout offers the opportunity to join a team with immediate playoff aspirations. Reports suggest that “multiple playoff teams” are already expected to show interest in the skilled guard, who is known for his ability to create his own shot and provide a scoring punch off the bench.

Jordan Clarkson is finalizing a contract buyout with the Utah Jazz, sources tell ESPN. Clarkson will target contending teams for his new home — with interest from multiple playoff teams already expected. pic.twitter.com/e1hOavfiFa

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025

The New York Knicks have been mentioned as a team that has previously expressed interest in Clarkson in trade talks, and they could be a team to watch as he becomes a free agent.

The buyout marks the end of an era for the Jazz, as Clarkson was the last remaining player from the core of their successful 2022 playoff roster, which also featured Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. 

This decision further solidifies Utah’s commitment to building around its young talent and future draft picks, aiming for a fresh start in the coming seasons. Once the buyout is official and Clarkson clears waivers, he will be free to sign with any team, likely prioritizing a contender as free agency officially opens.

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