Fil-American Jordan Clarkson’s deep relationship with members of the Utah Jazz has allowed him to stay on with the team.
The 28-year-old Clarkson, who re-signed with the Jazz for a four-year contract, said this after meeting with the squad early last week.
The deal, which is a $51.52-million contract, will have Clarkson seeing action for the Jazz in the National Basketball Association for the next four years.
“We got each other’s back. So, when you have a group of guys who are together tight, it’s a formula to win,” said the 6’5” Clarkson, who plays for the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team when called to do so.
Clarkson, who was traded by the Cleveland Cavaliers for Dante Exum in 2019, talked about his recent decision to suit up for the Jazz during a web conference interview provided by NBA Philippines.
The Tampa, Florida-born Clarkson is set to have an annual average salary of $12,880,000 with the Jazz after leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Members of the Jazz have easily formed a bond with him around, according to Clarkson.
Teammates like Royce O’Neal, Rudy Gobert and Joe Ingles have grown closer in the days after he came aboard.
“We’ve grown tight. And this makes a lot of things easier on the court,” said Clarkson, who initially joined the Jazz in 2019.
Clarkson averaged 15.6 points on 46.2 percent shooting last season with the Jazz.
The Jazz is expected to be competitive in the coming season, with the addition of big man Derrick Favors and with a healthy Bojan Bogdanovic returning to action as well.
“We know we’re going to have to face adversity this year, just the stuff that’s going to happen throughout the year. But with this team at full strength, I think we can really make some noise,” said Clarkson.
Clarkson last saw action for Gilas in the 2018 Asian Games.