Reggie Jackson really wanted to get out of Oklahoma City. The frustrated point guard seemed to quit on the Thunder because he either didn’t get the playing time — or didn’t get the money.
The trade couldn’t happen fast enough — with Jackson reportedly refusing to play in games early on because he wasn’t traded in a timely fashion.
Two days before the Thunder’s season opener in Portland, Jackson sprained his ankle and missed the team’s first two games. In their third game, the Nov. 1 home opener against the Nuggets, Jackson was cleared to play, but according to a source, refused to because of disappointment that he wasn’t traded before the Oct. 31 extension deadline for first-round picks entering their fourth season, like Harden before him. Jackson spoke at shootaround that morning, coyly saying he probably wouldn’t play that night. Immediately after finishing his session, he grabbed a ball and threw down an impressive drop-step windmill dunk — in front of reporters and his teammates.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook were glad to see Jackson go — with Dion Waiters gladly taking over his roll.
Jackson is headed for restricted free agency this summer, and the Thunder made an attempt to re-sign him, reportedly offering a four-year, $48 million extension. He thinks he’s worth more and Stan Van Gundy will decide that.