Among the flurry of NBA activity on Thursday was Reggie Jackson being traded from the Thunder to the Pistons.
With Jackson due to be a restricted free agent at the end of the season, the chances of him returning to Oklahoma City to continue being a backup to Russell Westbrook were essentially nonexistent. An opportunity to start is what the 24-year-old was seeking so Jackson reportedly had his agent request the Thunder deal him prior to Thursday’s trade deadline. Jackson got what he wanted and will be in line for big minutes in Detroit with Brandon Jennings out for the year with an Achilles injury and D.J. Augustin heading to the Thunder as part of the three-team trade.
Upon finding out the news, Jackson appeared to be quite pleased, based on what he posted to his Twitter account.
Just woke up from my nap a #Piston #DETROITBASKETBALL!!!
— Reggie Jackson (@rjOKCson_15) February 19, 2015
Crying tears of joy #godisgreat
— Reggie Jackson (@rjOKCson_15) February 19, 2015
A short time later, Jackson thanked the Thunder fans and organization.
I just want to thank the @okcthunder and the fans for all their support and nurturing during my career in OKC. It has been love since the
— Reggie Jackson (@rjOKCson_15) February 19, 2015
Beginning. I will never forget the bonds or memories made here in OKC and i wish the organization and the team nothing but the best. I have
— Reggie Jackson (@rjOKCson_15) February 19, 2015
It appeared Jackson’s relationship with the Thunder had deteriorated recently so perhaps it’s not surprising to see him express relief. As for how Oklahoma City will fare with out him, Russell Westbrook said, “We have a chance of winning a championship and if Reggie is not here we still have a chance of winning a championship.”
