James Harden Says Reggie Jackson ‘Has to Get the Money That He’s Earned’

Two years ago, the OKC Thunder shocked the basketball world by trading away James Harden to the Houston Rockets, instead of inking him to a lucrative long-term deal.

Reggie Jackson will be a restricted free agent next summer, and Harden says Jackson has a chance to earn himself a few extra million on the market.

With Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook missing large chunks of the season due to injuries, Jackson could set himself up for a nice payday.

Per The Oklahoman:

“That’s (tougher),” Harden said of Jackson’s situation. “Credit to him. He’s handling it great. He’s been a great leader. Since he’s been on the court he’s been playing very good basketball, and he’s handling it the right way. I’m sure good things are going to happen for Reggie.”

 

Harden held out for what he believed he was worth. Jackson is now doing the same. […] “I fell into the same situation, and that could have been my only contract. And I’m sure Reggie feels the same way,” Harden said. “He has to get the money that he’s earned and that he’s worked his whole life for. It’s the nature of the business. It’s going to happen every single year and it’s going to continue to happen.”

 

“He’s in a great position,” Harden said. “I’m sorry to hear that KD and Russell are out. But he has a great opportunity to show everybody that he can play and that he is talented enough to carry a team. He’s doing a great job. They’re in every single game, they’re competing hard and he’s the leader. He has the ball in his hands every possession. He’s handling it the right way.”