NBA Trade Rumors: Houston Rockets Aquire Utah Jazz Sixth Man Jordan Clarkson?

As the Utah Jazz clean house, the Houston Rockets could add bench piece Jordan Clarkson.

The Houston Rockets are exceeding expectations this season with a 13-11 record, sitting ninth in the Western Conference. After a rebuild, Houston looks ready to make the playoffs, or at least the Play-In Tournament, before moving forward with a competitive roster.

Alperen Sengun is rising into a star, Jabari Smith Jr. is a solid starting forward, and Jalen Green, while streaky, is a high-flying scoring option. There is also optimism surrounding rookie Amen Thompson, but he has missed most of the season with injury and illness.

However, most of the credit for Houston’s turnaround can be given to Ime Udoka and the veteran leaders he brought in over the summer. Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks are starting for Houston, while Aaron Holiday and Jeff Green are locker-room leaders.

Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) reacts after a three-point basket during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum / Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

The Utah Jazz are in the same spot that the Rockets were in a few years ago: clean house and get young players or picks. Spearheaded by Danny Ainge, Utah has announced Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, and John Collins are all on the trade block. Jordan Clarkson is joining that list, according to BleacherReport.

Clarkson won Sixth Man of the Year in 2021 and has been a benchpiece since 2016. In a career spanning ten seasons and three teams, Clarkson has averaged 15.9 points, shot 34 percent from deep, and 2.8 assists.

If the Rockets can put together a compelling trade package around future picks, adding Clarkson will only propel their rebuild. Houston has allowed the second-fewest points, 107.3, but scored the sixth-fewest. Clarkson’s defense is suspect at best, but his offensive output, especially off the bench, is unmatched.

Houston scores the seventh-fewest bench points in the league, and adding an offensive threat to the second unit would propel them into contention. Clarkson is 31 and is under contract until 2026, so he would be a long-term piece for the Rockets.

If Houston can get away with offering two future first-round picks (via Brooklyn) and salary filler of Jock Landale, Jeff Green, and Jae’Sean Tate, there is no reason not to pull the trigger.

However, if Ainge asks for Cam Whitmore and/or Thompson, Rafael Stone should hang up the phone. The deal would have to make Houston instantly better without sacrificing assets they already have.

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Utah is amassing as many picks as possible. They added six picks and three swaps when they unloaded Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, and look to add more when they move Markkanen. The Rockets could add to their haul by taking Clarkson off of their hands, but any deal would have to be centered around picks, not current young talent.