Reggie Jackson will remain a Detroit Piston for the next five years after the point guard reportedly agreed to a five-year deal worth $80 million.
The Pistons acquired Jackson, 25, during the previous February NBA trade deadline in a multiplayer deal involving the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Utah Jazz.
Jackson was seen as a promising player when he was with the Thunder, though his rise would have been difficult since he often played backup to Russell Westbrook. At that time, it was believed that Jackson would eventually walk by the end of the season.
The Thunder presumably pulled off the trade to make sure that they didn't end up with nothing for Jackson. And once Jackson was given a new role as a starter, he certainly did not disappoint.
Jackson did start out cold as a Piston in the first 10 games. But the next games that followed show how dominant the Boston College Eagle could be if given the trust and opportunity to do so.
Stan Van Gundy had his eye on Jackson ever since, and while many believed that the Pistons overpaid for Jackson, the point guard simply took it all in stride.
"It's a small sample size; I understand people see the small size and all that," Jackson told the Detroit Free Press. "A lot of these players getting deals have been starters their whole career and are hitting game-winning shots and other things like that."
With the extension, the future of injured Brandon Jennings comes to mind. Currently out due to a ruptured left Achilles tendon, Jennings is entering his final year with the Pistons and is set to receive $8.3 million.
With Jackson signing up, Jennings will likely be left out and be headed to another team willing to absorb his $8.3-million pay check.
Word has it that the Los Angeles Lakers could consider Jennings if they can find an acceptable player to offer in return.
