The OKC Thunder are looking at a Reggie Jackson trade at the trading deadline and teams like the NY Knicks, Denver Nuggets, LA Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets and Miami Heat could be interested in making a deal, as Jackson is heading towards restricted free agency and likely will get dealt by Oklahoma City.
Jackson has played well when he has had the chance over the past two years, including when he had to step up with Russell Westbrook injured. Since the trade for Dion Waiters though, Jackson has seen his playing time decrease and with him heading towards restricted free agency, it looks like he will be on his way out of Oklahoma City. According to Pro Basketball Talk and RealGM, the Thunder have been exploring deals for Jackson, as they likely will not be signing him back as a free agent.
Like James Harden, Jackson has potential to be a star player with more development and like Harden, he could be traded by OKC due to money issues. Jackson could command a nice contract on the market even with him being restricted and based on past moves, if the Thunder feel they can't sign him, they will trade him. Basketball Insiders reports that the team is still "undecided" on what to do with Jackson and it could depend on what type of packages the team gets in trade offers.,
According to ESPN.com, the Nuggets have been interested in trading for Reggie Jackson, but the two sides have not yet found an agreement on compensation. The Thunder reportedly were looking for a draft pick along with players and names like JaVale McGee or Wilson Chandler could be involved. The Nuggets are also reportedly interested in Brook Lopez and the team could try and negotiate a three team deal with the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets are reportedly shopping Lopez, Deron Williams and Joe Johnson, but reports have the team not dealing until after the All-Star break.
Jackson is averaging 13 points and four rebounds with four assists this season and he the main target for the Thunder when it comes to trade deadline deals. The Denver Nuggets are the main option right now, but teams like the Knicks, Lakers and Rockets also could be interested. The Knicks reportedly are interested in signing Jackson as a free agent and not making a trade, as they see him as a potentially cheaper option than Rajon Rondo or Goran Dragic this summer.
The Rockets also could be interested, as they want to upgrade from Patrick Beverley and with Dwight Howard out for at least a month, they could be looking for some more offensive support. Jackson has potential to be a strong starting option down the line and he showed some flashes of that last year in the playoffs and earlier this season when Westbrook was out. Jackson should get some decent offers once he hits the market and the Thunder want to protect themselves from losing him for nothing.
