Reggie Jackson‘s continued insistence on starting for the Thunder complicates the notion of an extension for the fourth-year guard, as The Oklahoman’s Anthony Slater examines, writing that a deal before the October 31st deadline would be “surprising.” Still, Kevin Durant tells Sam Amick of USA Today that Jackson loves the organization and believes that “it’s going to all work out,” as a report this weekend indicated that the Oklahoma City front office is enamored with Jackson. While we wait to see what happens as the Thunder face an extension deadline with a talented sixth man for the second time in three years, here’s more from around the Northwest Division:
- LaMarcus Aldridge repeated his intention to re-sign with the Blazers in the summer while pointing out that it doesn’t make financial sense for him to sign an extension, as he told reporters, including Kerry Eggers of the Portland Tribune.
- Ricky Rubio indicated to reporters Monday that he believes extension talks are affecting his ability to perform on the court, notes Jon Krawczynski of The Associated Press. Still, Wolves coach/executive Flip Saunders doesn’t think they’re hurting his game, Krawczynski adds. Rubio and Wolves owner Glen Taylor reportedly spoke several times by phone last week.
- There’s “no way” Kenneth Faried ends up with a max extension from the Nuggets, writes Chris Dempsey of The Denver Post, who speculates that $12MM annual salaries would fit the bill for the power forward.