Thunder GM Sam Presti: Reggie Jackson a 'core member' of team

Oklahoma City Thunder general manger Sam Presti said guard Reggie Jackson is a 'core member' of the team and they are working on an extension, ESPN's Royce Young reports. Jackson, 24, is entering the fourth and final season of his rookie contract.

Oklahoma City Thunder general manger Sam Presti said guard Reggie Jackson is a 'core member' of the team and that the two sides are working on an extension, ESPN's Royce Young reports.

Jackson, 24, is entering the fourth and final season of his rookie contract. He averaged 13.1 points, 4.1 assists and 3.9 rebounds last season, and he started 36 games when Russell Westbrook was injured.

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The Thunder have until Oct. 31 to sign Jackson to a contract extension or he will become a restricted free agent next year. Facing the same situation two years ago, the Thunder traded James Harden to the Houston Rockets. Presti said the team has not discussed trading Jackson.

"That's just not something we've considered," Presti said about the possibility of repeating a trade with Jackson. "I think with him in particular he's a guy we see being here for a long time. It may not be something we get solved in October, but the system is set up to try and give you an early opportunity to do that and we'll try to take advantage of that. We want to get things done in advance if possible, but if not, we'll pick it up next season and do it in earnest again."

Oklahoma City opens training camp next week. Their first regular season game is Oct. 29 against the Portland Trail Blazers.

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