10 Dream trade targets for the Timberwolves (and what'd it cost to acquire them)
By Austin McGee
3. Jordan Clarkson
What it'd cost: Matching salary, young player, second-round draft capital
Now, it's time for the anti-Tyus Jones, Jordan Clarkson. While the playmaking is similar, 6.3 and 4.9 assists, respectively, Clarkson is far more reckless. He's averaging 2.8 giveaways per game and plays with a gunner mentality.
The Utah Jazz guard has never seen a shot he hasn't liked. This season, Clarkson is attempting 15.2 field goal attempts per game. He's only knocking down 41.9 percent of his field goals and 29.6 percent of his triples. Among all qualified players, Clarkson ranks dead-last in effective field goal percentage.
He's never been the most efficient scorer, but this season has been an aberration. Both his field goal and 3-point percentages are career lows. What's most concerning is his 3-point percentage. On wide-open threes, he's shooting a paltry 33.3 percent. Just a season ago, Clarkson knocked down 40.6 percent of his wide-open triples.
A change of scenery might be just what Clarkson needs. He's been traded three times already in his career. Following every trade, he's increased his points per game. And now at 31 years old, playing for a contender might be what Clarkson seeks.
His current squad isn't necessarily ready to contend, but they aren't exactly lottery-bound either. Utah is 10th in the Western Conference with a 24-26 record. The Jazz may be buyers as the trade deadline nears.
The Jazz are flush with bigs and guards but lack talent on the wing. A trade for Clarkson would assuredly include Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson. Aside from Anderson, salary filler is required, as the Utah guard makes nearly $24 million.