By JONAS TERRADO
Jordan Clarkson received the biggest contract of his NBA career after officially signing a four-year extension worth $52 million to remain with the Utah Jazz.
The Jazz made the announcement Monday (Tuesday night) days after US sports media reported the agreement between the team based in Salt Lake City and the Fil-American guard.
Clarkson tweeted “RUN IT!!” when Klutch Sports, the agency that represents the member of Gilas Pilipinas’ 2018 Asian Games squad, announced the signing.
Both parties came to terms over the weekend but had to wait before until Nov. 22, the period where deals can be made official.
Utah secured the services of Clarkson, who came off a solid campaign since being acquired by the Jazz in a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“Jordan was an integral part of our team’s success last season,” said Utah Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Dennis Lindsey in a statement released by the team.
“He’s an aggressive, competitive talent that leads by example and provides a big scoring spark. He is a great fit with our roster and we’re excited to bring him back,” Lindsey added.
He averaged 15.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 41 games with the Jazz, serving as a vital contributor off the bench.
Clarkson was also impressive during Utah’s first round NBA Western Conference playoff loss to the Denver Nuggets with averages of 16.7 points on 46.4 shooting with 3.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists.
Teammates, particularly Utah star Donovan Mitchell and Australian guard Joe Ingles, have praised Clarkson for his play and attitude on and off the court.
It will be the richest deal in Clarkson’s six-year NBA career, narrowly exceeding a four-year, $50 million extension he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016.
The Jazz are Clarkson’s third NBA team after the Lakers and the Cavaliers.
