Which Teams Could Trade For Conley, Clarkson, Bogdanovic?

SALT LAKE CITY – After a flurry of deals already this offseason, the Utah Jazz are still likely to explore trade options for veterans Mike Conley, Jordan Clarkson, and Bojan Bogdanovic.

The Jazz have 17 players on guaranteed contracts, two over the NBA’s maximum for opening night, and must shave at least two more players off their roster before they face the Denver Nuggets to begin the season on October 19.

Here’s a breakdown on teams that could be looking to acquire each of the Jazz most valuable veterans.

Bojan Bogdanovic Trade Options

Bogdanovic is the Jazz best veteran trade asset left on the roster. The Croatian forward averaged 18.1 points per last season on nearly 39 percent shooting from the three-point line and has proven to be one of the NBA’s true ironmen throughout his career.

The forward has one year and $19.5 million left on his contract which is fair price for what he offers.

Bogdanovic is a terrific fit on any team that needs a second-fourth option scorer who can carry a heavier load in a pinch, as he showed throughout his time in Utah.

The @Suns are interested in trading for @utahjazz forward Bojan Bogdanovic, per @AZSports' @Gambo987. #TakeNote #RallyTheValley #Suns #NBA #NBATwitter https://t.co/WrYzXH5BVm

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 2, 2022

The sharpshooter’s name was frequently mentioned as an option for the Los Angeles Lakers in a three-team deal involving the New York Knicks and Donovan Mitchell.

Despite the Mitchell trade being off the table, the Lakers still seem like an obvious fit for the forward to add spacing next to LeBron James.

A deal involving Bogdanovic, Conley, and Rudy Gay would match salaries with Russell Westbrook, and the Jazz could likely coax multiple draft picks out of the Lakers in the deal.

But, the Lakers aren’t the only teams showing interest in Bogdanovic.

The Phoenix Suns are reportedly interested in the Jazz forward and could offer the expiring contract of Dario Saric, Landry Shamet, plus additional draft capital could be enough to pull off a trade.

Just as the Suns would look to add Bogdanovic in hopes of pushing them over the top as contenders, the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, and Toronto Raptors could all use a player of his standing.

Jordan Clarkson Trade Options

Like Bogdanovic, Jordan Clarkson has universal trade value as one of the NBA’s leading sixth men and an instant scoring option off the bench.

Clarkson would be best served on a playoff team that has a strong starting lineup but needs additional help in the second unit, and a positive boost to the team’s culture.

The Chicago Bulls could use Clarkson’s scoring as they proved to have plenty of defense last season, but struggled to score in the postseason. They could also use another high-usage offensive player due to ongoing knee issues for Lonzo Ball.

Chicago could built a package around guard Coby White, salary filler, and a future draft pick to build a compelling offer for Clarkson.

Jordan Clarkson, Simone Fontecchio, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Leandro Bolmaro have wrapped up play at the FIBA Qualifiers.

See how the four @utahjazz players fared for their National Teams here. #TakeNote https://t.co/TCT5fJoYLu

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) August 30, 2022

After an underwhelming summer, the Miami Heat could also use a player like Clarkson to lift their offense which was middle-of-the-pack last season.

Miami’s best pathway to acquire Clarkson would likely revolve around a Duncan Robinson trade, though the Jazz would need significant draft compensation to take on the remaining four years and $70 million left on his deal.

A package of Robinson and multiple draft picks works in exchange for Clarkson and Leandro Bolmaro, but the Jazz could likely find lower-cost options on the market.

The Dallas Mavericks lost Jalen Brunson in the offseason and could use another go-to scorer off the bench. After adding center JaVale McGee, Dallas could build a package around Dwight Powell and third-year guard Josh Green, though they might be unwilling to part with their 2025 first-round pick.

The Jazz could flip Powell before the deadline or let his contract expire next summer while adding another young asset in Green to develop.

Mike Conley Trade Options

Mike Conley is the hardest of the Jazz veterans to trade due to his recent dip in play, the quality of point guard play around the NBA, and the multiple years left on his contract.

The guard is owed $22.6 million this season and $24.3 million next season, though only $14.3 million is guaranteed in 2023-24.

The Lakers are the ideal landing spot for Conley in a package including Bogdanovic, with Westbrook returning to Utah.

Utah still has coveted veteran trade asserts, including Bojan Bogdanovic, Jordan Clarkson and Mike Conley Jr. They'll approach an Oklahoma City-esque haul of draft assets once they're done dealing. Jazz consider Markkanen, Sexton and Agbaji keepers for their rebuilding roster.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 1, 2022

Though Conley’s value has dropped in the last 12 months, he’s still a steady veteran and reliable floor spacer that would understand the intricacies of playing along James and Anthony Davis in LA.

The Mavericks could also look for another backcourt veteran to play alongside Luka Doncic, and could build a package around Davis Bertans, Josh Green, and a future first-round pick.

Like Duncan Robinson, Bertans has one of the worst contracts in the NBA, but the addition of Green and draft capital could be enough to convince the Jazz to take him on in a deal.

The Washington Wizards and New Orleans Pelicans could also be in the market for a veteran point guard.

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