Reggie Jackson became a breakout star of the NBA Playoffs. The Oklahoma City Thunder were at risk of getting embarrassed against the San Antonio Spurs until head coach Scott Brooks made a lineup change inserting Jackson for the ineffective Thabo Sefolosha. Jackson thrived and now that he is working off the final year of his contract, just he become trade bait for the Thunder?
The Thunder played well when Jackson was taking pressure of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. They opened things up offensively as Jackson averaged 12 points a night while shooting 48 percent from the field. Jackson has been a very capable point guard for the Thunder, but his limited playing time failed to let him show it until his name was called in the playoffs. Now, Jackson has one more year on his contract and after a series like that in the Western Conference finals, he could demand a little more in both money and playing time. Are the Thunder willing to give it?
The Thunder have a starting point guard. Westbrook is not going anywhere and his contract will need renewing soon as well. Oklahoma City likely has no interest in giving Jackson a competitive contract, but they are also are not willing to make him trade bait just yet. Jackson says the sixth man role is a struggle, but he understands his place on the team.
"It's tough, Jackson said, via NewsOK.com. "I'm really a control freak. I like to be in control. That's kind of how I am. That's how point guards tend to be. Kind of quirky. I like to feel in control, kind of running the show."
Jackson will have to wait another year to get that control it seems. When asked about a potential trade of the point guard, general manager Sam Presti said, "That's not something that we're considering."
The Thunder need Jackson for another year. Sefolosha becomes a free agent along with Derek Fisher. They could move Kendrick Perkins, but Presti also said that was not in the cards. According to Bleacher Report, the team could target cheaper free agents like Spencer Hawes or Boris Diaw to help with perimeter defense. They could also look to someone like Trevor Ariza or Andray Blatche. Jackson has a real shot to develop into a star next season. If ready, the Thunder could opt to start him and run a similar lineup to the Finals. For now it appears he will be hanging around on the roster.