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NBA Trade Rumors: Reggie Jackson, Brook Lopez Deal Is Nearly Final

By Tom West

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NBA Trade Rumors: As the action of NBA trade deadline day doesn’t take a seconds rest, the Oklahoma City Thunder are close to acquiring Brook Lopez and maybe even Norris Cole.

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After weeks of speculation that Reggie Jackson and Brook Lopez could be departing their respective teams, it is nearly certain that they will be exchanged in a trade between the Brooklyn Nets and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Adrian Wojnarowski is one of the busiest men in America during NBA deadline day, and this year has been no different. He’s been breaking down every story of the day so far and most recently league sources have revealed to Yahoo Sports that the Thunder and Nets are very close to trading for Lopez.

So far, it is believed that the deal would involve sending Jackson, Perry Jones and Kendrick Perkins in exchange for Lopez.

Due to Lopez having such a large contract ($14.6 million this year) all three Thunder players will need to be included in the trade to their salary cap work. Whilst this will deduct some of their depth, they would gain a significant and much needed improvement at the center position.

Lopez may not be in his All-Star caliber form from 2012-13, but he is still a talented post player and imposing rim protector. His playing time has slight decreased this year, although per 36 minutes he is still averaging 20.3 points (nearly triple Perkins’ production), 8.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks.

He would add another scoring dynamic to the Thunder’s Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook heavy offense, and provides some interior post play as an alternative to Serge Ibaka’s mid range game when OKC look to their big men for some offensive production.

Jackson recently turned down a $48 million extension from the Thunder, so if he’s willing to reject that kind of money it’s clear that he has no intention of maintaining a future with the franchise.

Wojnarowski has also reported from league sources that the Thunder could make a move to pick up Norris Cole from the Miami Heat as well:

Even though Cole may not be as talented as Jackson, he will at least be a reasonable replacement to fill his shoes if he does indeed leave for the Nets.

Whilst Lopez and Cole would need time to adjust, they could make an impact in the Thunder’s playoff push as they look to climb up the Western Conference rankings from their current position of 9th place (with a 28-25 record).

Lopez is undoubtedly the focus in this entire scenario though, and combined with Ibaka and Steven Adams, the Thunder would have an imposing front court to say the least.

We won’t have to wait long to see if this trade goes ahead, but if it does, Thunder fans can finally start feeling positive about the second half of the season.

Next: Nuggets send McGee, Pick to Sixers

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