Jordan Clarkson Trade Scenarios: A deal with every Western Conference team
By Keith Rivas
Pacific Division
Phoenix Suns
Phoenix isn’t really going to give up much else, and this would actually be a good grab for the Lakers. Although Troy Daniels offers less on paper than what Clarkson is already doing in Los Angeles, the trade gives the Lakers a true backup shooting guard which means a chance to explore other options at that position while also being a chance for Josh Hart to show if he can deal with starting minutes in a much-needed role moving forward.
Sacramento Kings
Getting a deal done where the Lakers land someone like Bogdan Bogdanovic would be an excellent deal for Los Angeles. He’s practically the same in rebounds and assists and scores just four points less per game on average. At age 25, Bogdonavic gives the Lakers a chance to still groom Josh Hart at shooting guard without just throwing him into the spotlight. He’s also not going to be a restricted free agent until 2020, so it gives Los Angeles some time to figure that all out.
Los Angeles Clippers
In this deal, Clarkson doesn’t have to relocate and the Lakers go for a true addition the young core in Tyrone Wallace that has been an excellent pickup for the Clippers after being drafted last in 2016 by the Utah Jazz originally. Wallace is averaging more points per game than Clarkson, and fills the needed spot of shooting guard for the Lakers. Meanwhile, the Clippers also get to unload Austin Rivers to make this work financially while acquiring a solid star in Jordan Clarkson.
Golden State Warriors
In this move, the defending champs add another former Laker to the lineup and remain solid in their second unit behind Stephen Curry and company. This, however, would require them to give up Zaza Pachulia, which might be a piece they’re not willing to part with as it makes their lack of depth at center more of an issue in the second half of the season. Still a possibility, though.