Jordan Clarkson would be a perfect fit with the Charlotte Hornets and that is why they should seriously consider a move for the Lakers’ guard.
The Charlotte Hornets need a backup point guard and the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to trade on of theirs. According to Jordan Schultz, “Lakers are not just “open-minded” to trading Jordan Clarkson, as has been reported, but are actively seeking out offers.” Rich Cho should already be on the phone with Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka to try and work out a deal.
The backup point guard spot has been a topic of discussion for Steve Clifford’s side ever since Jeremy Lin left. They have already made the role the team’s top priority this offseason. With limited options in free agency and their cap situation, trading for a backup is arguably their best course of action.
In the 2016-17 season, Clarkson was one bright spot for the rather unfavorable Lakers as he averaged 14.7 points per game, 2.6 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals. He managed to play in all 82 games while shooting 44.5% from the field and 32.9% from three. Even though he played nearly 30 minutes per game, Jordan mainly came off of the bench for LA which gave him valuable experience as a sixth man.
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Fills a need
Like I said before, the Hornets NEED a backup point guard. Ramon Sessions is not the answer after the season he had last year. Brian Roberts probably won’t be re-signed and Briante Weber is more of a third-string player at this point in his career than a true backup. Unless Charlotte’s going to draft a top guard prospect like Frank Ntilikina, Dennis Smith or Donovan Mitchell, then they should at least seriously explore trading for Clarkson.
The best possible free agent option that the team actually has a realistic shot at getting is Darren Collison. Even then, it is a long shot. While getting the 24-year old from Los Angeles won’t be easy, it may be more doable than getting Collison.
Of guards who played at least 30 games off of the bench this past season, Sessions ranked 91st compared to Clarkson who was third only behind Lou Williams and Eric Gordon. That stat alone shows that Jordan would be a serious upgrade for the Hornets.
Versatile playmaker
At 6’5, the former second round pick can play both guard spots. Steve Clifford values players who can play multiple positions. What made Jeremy Lin so successful with Charlotte was the fact that he could play alongside Kemba Walker for long stretches and to close games. If the team were to add Clarkson to their roster, he could fill the same role that Lin did. While he isn’t a like for like swap, Jordan may actually fit better with this Hornets’ squad.
Even though he is a score-first, isolation-first player, Clarkson also has the vision and ability to be a playmaker for his teammates. Although, he wasn’t able to put that part of his game on full display last year because of the scoring load that he carried for LA’s second unit. Jordan also offers upside as he is still early in his career, athleticism which the team currently lacks and consistent scoring which they desperately need to take some weight off Kemba’s shoulders.
If he was on the Hornets this past season, Clarkson would’ve been the team’s third leading scorer and only .4 PPG behind Nicolas Batum who is being paid upwards of $20 million.
He would add shooting as well.
The trade
Charlotte could try to fleece Los Angeles by trading Miles Plumlee and a 2018 first round pick for Clarkson straight up but the Lakers won’t likely budge on that one. The Hornets’ big man’s contract is one of the worst in the league and LA already has two of those with Luol Deng and Timofey Mozgov. That means that Rich Cho’s best bet would be to offer expiring contracts.
(This trade works according to RealGM)
For this deal to work, the Hornets would first need to accept Ramon Sessions’ team option for next season. Then they would be able to trade him. Why would Los Angeles want to make this move? Because they need to shed Jordan’s $12.5 million salary and get expiring contracts so that they can make a run at Paul George in the summer of 2018.
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If the reports are true, Clarkson will have plenty of potential suitors. Although he isn’t a superstar, he can make just about any team significantly better with his play off the bench. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Charlotte Hornes are linked to Jordan but it is also likely that another team jumps in with a better offer.