Clippers Rumors: LAC 'Hopeful' About Re-Signing Reggie Jackson to New Contract
August 4, 2021
The Los Angeles Clippers remain "hopeful" of re-signing Reggie Jackson this offseason, according to ESPN's Jordan Schultz.
Schultz added the Clippers might have a hard time making the money work but that Jackson "likes the organization and enjoyed his role" with the team. The 31-year-old averaged 10.7 points and 3.1 assists in 67 regular-season games with the Clippers in 2020-21.
He was also an unexpected star during the playoffs as he averaged 17.8 points in 19 postseason contests. His peak came in Game 6 of the conference semifinals, as he dropped a double-double (27 points, 10 assists) in a closeout win over the Utah Jazz.
After the Clippers lost to the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals, Jackson became emotional when recounting his time with the team:
Given Jackson's generally underwhelming tenure with the Detroit Pistons, the odds of him getting a monster contract offer looked slim. But he seemed to play himself into a nice payday with his performance this past year.
Instead, his options are quickly drying up.
The Athletic's Sam Amick reported Tuesday the New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets could emerge as suitors.
The Pelicans have since swung a sign-and-trade to acquire Devonte' Graham from the Charlotte Hornets, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Wojnarowski also reported the New York Knicks are planning to sign Kemba Walker once he's bought out of his contract by the Oklahoma City Thunder. According to SNY's Ian Begley, Jackson wasn't a significant target for New York.
Returning to the Clippers may not be a bad fallback. Jackson obviously found a comfort level in L.A., and he may have a bigger role in the rotation next season.
Assuming he re-signs, Kawhi Leonard is still likely to miss a lot of time after undergoing surgery for a partially torn ACL. The Clippers will need players to help replace the 24.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists he averaged in 2020-21, and Jackson could be a beneficiary.