NBA Rumors: Latest Rumblings on Reggie Jackson, Tobias Harris and More
The NBA season may have just started, but it’s never too early to start thinking about the offseason (especially if you are a Los Angeles Lakers fan).
The offseason means free agency, and impending free agency means rumors, and there are plenty of those circulating around the Association. Reggie Jackson is playing his way into more money in Oklahoma City, Tobias Harris could wind up in the Big Apple, and Tyrus Thomas could be back in the NBA soon.
With all that in mind, here is a look at the latest rumors from around the NBA.
Reggie Jackson
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports provided an update on Jackson:
"He’s generating a market value that’ll test the Thunder’s resolve in restricted free agency this summer. Every night, executives examine Jackson, and his offer sheet possibilities are climbing into the $13 million to $14 million range. As one Eastern Conference executive told Yahoo Sports: 'He’s a bigger Eric Bledsoe – and probably better.'
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It has been a nightmare of a start for the 3-7 Oklahoma City Thunder, as superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are both out with injuries. To make matters worse, the playoffs could be in danger if things don’t turn around quickly considering how daunting the Western Conference is this season.
Jackson has been a bright spot, though, and is averaging 22.4 points and 8.1 assists in seven games. He commented on his team’s position in the same Wojnarowski piece: “There’s an understanding, deep in back of our minds, that we have to stay afloat, that we have to tread water. For us, it’s about getting into the playoffs now. The seeding doesn’t matter. If we can get to the playoffs, we’ll be better for this.”
While Jackson certainly wants to get the Thunder into a position to reach the playoffs, it has to be encouraging from his standpoint that other teams are likely paying attention to his production. He is 24 years old and still has plenty of prime seasons remaining, which is likely why he turned down an extension to his rookie contract in October.
Some team will make him a starting point guard next season.
Tobias Harris
Marc Berman of the New York Post passed along an update on Harris: “According to a source, Harris, who went to high school at Long Island’s Half Hollow Hills West, has a lot of interest in his hometown Knicks after becoming buddies with Carmelo Anthony over the summer.”
Harris actually worked out with Carmelo Anthony in the summer, so these connections make some sense.
Harris turned down a four-year, $36 million offer from the Orlando Magic in October and appears to be banking on his market value as a versatile player who can play either forward position, hit from three-point range and contribute on the boards.
Before we get too far ahead with Harris’ free agency, the man himself seemed focused on the season in recent comments, via John Denton of NBA.com:
"My thoughts are just that I’m all about being for my team right now. I’m all about where I’m at right now and that’s with the Orlando Magic. I’m not worried about (free agency) at all. I just want to help my team be the best that we can be. Each and every day I pride myself on helping my teammates helping us get better as a team and winning games. That’s my focus.
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Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders noted how effective Harris was Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks:
The New York Knicks will have plenty of cap space in 2015, and placing a forward with numbers like that in the lineup would make the offense much more formidable.
Harris is not exactly a candidate for a max contract, so signing him could only be part of the offseason plans. Harris’ versatility is key here because he could play alongside Anthony in the offense and help out in the rebounding department.
Tyrus Thomas
Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders pointed out that Thomas could be lacing it up again at the professional level soon:
The Memphis Grizzlies have 14 players on the roster, so there is some flexibility in place. Thomas has been out of the NBA since Charlotte put him on amnesty waivers in 2013, so he will probably only command a minimum salary.
Thomas played four seasons with the Chicago Bulls and four seasons with Charlotte and averaged 7.7 points and 4.8 rebounds a game, but he is best known for his time at LSU. He helped the Tigers reach the Final Four alongside Glen Davis and made the NBA with his explosiveness and versatility.
He would now love a chance to show that athleticism one more time.
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