3 Cleveland Cavaliers questions following Jordan Clarkson trade
By Tony Pesta
The Cleveland Cavaliers have officially parted ways with Jordan Clarkson.
In a trade we all knew was coming eventually, the Cleveland Cavaliers shipped Jordan Clarkson to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Dante Exum and two future second-round draft picks.
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Clarkson spent roughly two full seasons with the Cavaliers and acted as the team’s most consistent sixth man for most of his tenure. Last season, Clarkson averaged a career-high 16.8 points with the second unit.
Though his decision making was often frustrating to watch, there is no denying that Clarkson’s offensive production was valuable to the Cavaliers. In his last game with the squad, Clarkson dropped a season-high 33 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the 3-point line.
It’s clear that the Jazz took notice of JC and felt he was worthy of acquiring. The Jazz has the sixth-best record in the Western Conference, but ranks 23rd in points per game. Having an offensive-oriented bench player like Clarkson should help heal their scoring woes.
As for the Cavaliers, losing their third-leading scorer will leave a big gap in their lineup. Exum is far from the scorer that Clarkson was and his injury history is a concern for Cleveland.
Clarkson’s trade may be one of many incoming moves the Cavaliers decide to make. Here are three questions following Clarkson’s departure.