OKC Thunder trade deadline series: Cavaliers fire sale doesn’t afford many valuable options

Jordan Clarkson::

Salary:
2018-19 – $12,500,000
2019-20 -$13,437,500

As per spotrac.

If you’ve had the opportunity to watch the Cavaliers in action you’ll note Clarkson is often the leading scorer on most given nights.

Unlike his former running mate (Rodney Hood) Clarkson is never afraid to take the big shot. That in itself can be a very good thing – but more often than not however it can be terrible. This because Clarkson’s tendency is to always shoot regardless if someone is open or a far better shot exists.

This season Clarkson is averaging 16.8 points (a career high), 3.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. While Clarkson shoots 45.6 from the field his perimeter shot is still developing as he connects at a 34.1 percent efficiency.

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As for defense, that’s an area of the game Clarkson possesses little interest or prowess in. His minus -3.8 defensive box score speaks to this fact. During the postseason this is more of what made what made the youngster unplayable.

For a team desirous of a heat check shooter Clarkson is ideal but his single mindedness can’t be overlooked. Long term the ceiling for Clarkson could well be a player of the same ilk as Lou Williams, but he’ll need to spend some time figuring out system and flow. At the low end, Clarkson will always be capable of scoring but at what cost?

How the Cavaliers assets would fit OKC Thunder:

Although Thunderous Intentions is looking at every team and determining fit the truth is neither of these players will be coveted by Sam Presti. In Steven Adams, the Thunder already have a more talented big man and even with the need for shooting Clarkson is not a player who fits the Thunder mold of playing tough nosed defense.

Therefore it’s not worth considering the trade options since a deal won’t be forthcoming or likely even discussed.

Likelihood Grade: 0 out of 10