Round Table Discussion: OKC Thunder at the NBA Trade Deadline

Jan 18, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Reggie Jackson (15) drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Is it time for Oklahoma City to trade Reggie Jackson?

Livingston: Only for the right price. If the Thunder can get someone like Affalo or Chandler for Jackson then it’s time to move on. However, if there’s no deal that gets a decent return then the team should hold on to him. Jackson’s inconsistent effort is frustrating but it’s starting to get better and it seems like he still gets up for big games. If the Thunder make the playoffs, Jackson becomes very valuable to the team assuming he picks up the intensity felt in the games.

Van Sant: Reggie has been a solid contributor for the Thunder ever since he was drafted and has improved in every aspect of his game the past three years. However, it’s clear that he no longer wishes to play for OKC, especially after the addition of Waiters has substantially eaten into his minutes. Watch his body language, and even in times of great triumph during games he acts dejected and put out. It’s time for Sam Presti to let Reggie fly and get something in return.

Collums: I think it might be too soon to trade Jackson. Although I have found myself looking at my TV with my jaw wide open at some of the shots and defensive attempts that Jackson takes, I still believe he provides good point guard and offensive play when he is in rhthym and confident. I also don’t know who would take him right now that would be willing to give someone to replace him or that wouldn’t ask for another big piece along with Jackson. 

Lambert: They should’ve traded him the moment they acquired Waiters, but that ship has sailed. Jackson can’t be a member of the Thunder when they take the court against Dallas on Thursday night. He’s not exactly helping the team right now with his poor decision making and even worse defense and everyone knows he’s going to leave in the offseason. OKC has to move him at the deadline if they have any hope of winning a title.

Stephens: OKC must move Jackson now. He has had good moments in a Thunder uniform and especially this season but he will probably leave this off-season by signing a deal with another team that OKC is unwilling to match. Might as well trade him now while you can and while he is wanted by other teams, than lose him for nothing later. Teams that are in need of talent at the point guard position may be willing to give up a few pieces that the Thunder need to contend for a title. The only question would be, “Who would fill Jackson’s backup PG role?” I’m not sure who it would be or if OKC would get a point guard back in a trade but that position must be filled if Jackson is moved.

Fielder: I’m on the fence on this one. If you had asked me this question two weeks ago, I would have told you to ship Jackson for whatever you could get for him. However, Jackson played extremely well during the Thunder’s last six games and looks to be returning to his 2013-2014 form. It seems that Brooks is now attempting to stagger Jackson and Waiters in lineups and as such there is less confusion about who is the “alpha-dog” slasher. Furthermore, Jackson also seems to be excelling with McGary as a devastating pick-and-roll combo. So if the Thunder feel the need to ship Jackson, I totally get that as it seems super unlikely that he is in Oklahoma City next season. However, if the team feels that Reggie is a key cog to a potential playoff run, I totally understand keeping him on board as well.

Riggs: I have gone back and forth on this throughout the season, but I’ve finally decided that the Thunder should not trade Jackson. There is no denying Jackson has been a distraction this season. Unfortunately for the Thunder, since Jackson is a free agent after the season they will not get back his value in a trade. Jackson has shown he can carry the Thunder for a game in the playoffs, and he is still a very important part of this years team. Oklahoma City would be best served letting Jackson play out his contract and either let him walk, or resign him and then make a trade.

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