NBA Rumors: Latest on Jimmy Butler, Reggie Jackson and More
NBA news came flying in on Friday night when teams signed a number of players to contract extensions.
However, Jimmy Butler and Reggie Jackson are notable among those who did not sign extensions with their teams, and now there are rumors flying around regarding their respective futures.
What’s more, the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to add to their roster after their latest rash of injuries.
With that in mind, here is a look at the latest rumors from around the Association.
Jimmy Butler
K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune passed along an update on Butler’s status:
“Jimmy Butler’s agent told the Tribune before the Bulls game with the Cavaliers that Butler rejected a final offer, and that stance didn’t change. Sources said the Bulls offered a multiyear deal averaging $11 million during lengthy, cordial conversations.”
That means Butler will be a restricted free agent following the season. The good news for Chicago is that the team can match any potential offer, and Butler appears to be comfortable in the Windy City, via Johnson:
"This is where I want to be. I love my teammates, the fan base, the organization, everybody. I think I still will end up in this city.
I understand this is a business so I just have to be a great basketball player. I love my odds. I think this team is championship-caliber. I’m going to produce. I’m going to guard. I will take that on myself.
"
Butler’s importance to the Bulls was crystal clear in Friday’s overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is the best defender on the team. He guards the likes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony on a nightly basis and is an anchor on that side of the floor.
The Bulls have won with their defense for years under Tom Thibodeau, and he needs Butler on the floor. Otherwise, Mike Dunleavy and Tony Snell will be forced to guard those superstars like they did on Friday.
Butler’s defensive importance will undoubtedly be brought up in future contract negotiations.
Reggie Jackson
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports shared the latest regarding Jackson:
This doesn’t come as a surprise considering Jackson’s ability level and where he stands on the depth chart. Russell Westbrook is one of the best players in the league and will always be the starting point guard when healthy, so Jackson may have to leave Oklahoma City to fully blossom as a star point guard.
Jackson’s impending free agency will be interesting for the Thunder because they have so much money committed to Westbrook and Kevin Durant and may not be able to match a particularly big offer sheet from another team.
The only way Jackson will get that big offer sheet is if he thrives while Westbrook is out with injury. Jackson himself is dealing with a sore right ankle but is likely chomping at the bit to get back on the floor to seize this opportunity.
He needs to deliver for his future contract.
Quincy Miller
Shams Charania of RealGM noted that the Lakers could make a move in the near future:
Quincy Miller most recently played for the Denver Nuggets but was waived to cut the roster to the mandatory 15 players before the season started.
However, Miller is only 22 years old and still has plenty of basketball in front of him. He recovered from a torn ACL and averaged 4.9 points a game last year in 52 appearances and could certainly provide some depth for a team like the Lakers.
Los Angeles already lost Steve Nash and Julius Randle for the season with injuries and need some healthy bodies. The Lakers will likely apply for a disabled-player exception in light of the injuries and could use it to sign Miller.
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