The LA Clippers made their draft night moves, selecting Keon Johnson, Jason Preston, and Brandon Boston. They are limited in their offseason moves, but they hoped to retain Kawhi Leonard, Reggie Jackson, and Nicolas Batum in free agency.
So far, Nicolas Batum has agreed to a deal to return to the Clippers. Kawhi Leonard is believed to be returning as well, especially with very few teams even having the money to make a move appealing. The last piece of the free agency puzzle is Reggie Jackson. Things have been quiet on the Jackson front, but many teams are operating with the belief that he'll ultimately return to Los Angeles.
With NBA Summer League just days away from tipping off in Las Vegas, the Clippers' newest draft picks and head coach met with members of the team to discuss goals, expectations, and their individual hopes for the late summer tournament.
The 33rd pick in the 2021 NBA Draft Jason Preston was asked about any players on the current Clippers roster reaching out to welcome him to L.A. Preston mentioned Terance Mann, Luke Kennard, Amir Coffey, Jay Scrubb and… Reggie Jackson.
“There’s been a few guys working out already when I got there, like Luke Kennard and Terance Mann, Reggie Jackson’s there the other day,” Preston said. “And obviously Jay Scrubb and Amir. So you know, they’ve been very welcoming and opening, and open to me coming in.”
"There have been a few guys working out already when I got there like Luke Kennard, Terance Mann, Reggie Jackson's there every day. And then obviously Jay Scrubb and Amir. They've been very welcoming and open to me coming in."
Jason Preston on Clippers welcoming him in. pic.twitter.com/2yUChEc1sA
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) August 5, 2021
Reggie Jackson working out at the Clippers facility isn't at all surprising, but it is at least somewhat reassuring with regards the two sides eventually getting a deal done in free agency.
Here's what Jackson had to say following the Clippers' Game 6 loss to the Phoenix Suns last month, which ended their season.
“This city is special to me,” Reggie Jackson said when asked about Clippers free agency. “I can’t predict the future, I have no idea what happens, but this city, this organization, this fan base is special. It holds a special place in my heart forever. I’ll forever be a Clipper. I’m thankful. I’m thankful for this opportunity. I’m thankful everybody who has been part of the journey who supported and made this year special.”
"This city's been special to me. I can't predict the future, I have no idea what happens, but this city, this organization, this fanbase… They're special. I'm thankful for this opportunity. I'll forever be a Clipper."
– Reggie Jackson on if he’ll return next season pic.twitter.com/8zbqY5lhYg
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) July 1, 2021
Jackson's best friend, Paul George, said he would love to have Reggie back with the team next year, but understood that his phenomenal playoff run led to some increased opportunities financially.
At this point, signs are pointing towards an agreement on both sides, but the NBA has shown us it's never over until it's over. Clippers fans know that best after the Elton Brand and DeAndre Jordan situations over the last few decades.
Follow Us
Subscribe