After spending the first three full seasons of his NBA career with the Thunder, Reggie Jackson was traded to the Pistons in February. Detroit apparently saw enough from Jackson after the trade that they were confident enough in his abilities to offer him a five-year contract worth $80 million.
On Friday, Jackson returned to Oklahoma City to face the Thunder and recorded 15 points (4-16 FG), five rebounds, four assists, and two steals. However, the Pistons were on the wrong end of a 103-87 score. When speaking with the media after the game, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook did their best to not acknowledge their former teammate.
Here's the exchange between @ErikHorneOK and Russell Westbrook on Reggie Jackson: "Who?" pic.twitter.com/PrDnk5b7Qq
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) November 28, 2015
Kevin Durant called Andre Drummond the Pistons "best player" and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Detroit's "second best player" CC: Reggie Jackson.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) November 28, 2015
Prior to Jackson’s departure, there was reported animosity within the Thunder locker room between Jackson and other players. Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka refused to give him the ball during a game and Jackson reportedly refused to play in another game earlier in the same season. To make matters worse, Jackson tweeted he cried “tears of joy” after learning he was headed to the Pistons.
It was quite obvious Reggie Jackson wore out his welcome in Oklahoma City and couldn’t wait to get out. Whatever happened in the locker room clearly didn’t sit with with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, that part is quite apparent as well.
