Amid contract rumors, Jordan Clarkson says he wants to stay with Utah Jazz

FILE–Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz.Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images/AFP

MANILA, Philippines – In a report on the Utah Jazz’s rejection of a contract extension, Jordan Clarkson insisted that he has not yet discussed his future with the team, but that he will “enjoy playing with his teammates.”

The Filipino-American guard reportedly “turned down” an extension offer from the Jazz. But he clarified that there are no talks about a possible new deal with the team.

“I haven’t had any communication about the extension on my side and the team that I know,” Clarkson said during a virtual media availability with Philippine media on Friday.

The nine-year NBA veteran expressed his commitment to remain in Utah.

“If the talks happen, I’d love to be in Utah and continue to play with my teammates,” he said.

The 30-year-old guard, who signed a four-year contract with the Jazz in 2020, can exercise his player option before the 2023-24 season. But he hadn’t thought about it.

“If the summer comes and there’s nothing else, there’s no agreement or anything we do. We’ll just have to wait and see. I can’t talk far into the future,” said Clarkson. “But as of right now, I don’t think there’s been much talk about it.”

Despite offseason trades in Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell and other key players, Utah is not far from the playoff picture with Clarkson thriving as a starter and Lauri Markkanen emerging as an offensive anchor.

The Gilas Pilipinas star believes they have a good chance to return to the playoffs with a revamped roster under new head coach Will Hardy as the Jazz are currently ninth in the West with a 21-23 record.

“I think we have a good chance. We got a good team. With everything that happened at the beginning of the season, I think we have the toughest schedule in the league, but I think the upcoming schedule, we are at home, not a lot of travel, and in front of the fans in Utah. I think we’re going to put a few games together and move up in the West,” Clarkson said.

“There’s not a lot of separation. So a few wins, a 5-game win streak, a 10-game win streak will push us back to the top of the West,” he said.

The former NBA Sixth Man of the Year played well as Utah’s starter, averaging 20.7 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in 32 minutes of playing time in 43 games.

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