Russ Speaks Out On Possible Jackson Trade

By Randy Renner

Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook was pretty blunt when asked about the possibility of his backup being traded away.

"He's a big part of our success thus far but you have to determine if a guy don't wanna be here then you can't make him be here."

And judging by what Jackson had to say to reporters yesterday he does not want to be in Oklahoma City.

Sources have said Jackson turned down a 4-year, $48 million dollar deal over the summer that would have made him the highest paid backup in the NBA.

Westbrook said the mood at this morning's shootaround was "normal," despite the trade deadline rapidly approaching.

"I mean ain't too many people being talked about getting traded than one person so I know our team is focused on tonight's game."

Westbrook may not have been aware of the latest rumors with Jackson, Kendrick Perkins and Perry Jones perhaps all headed out to Brooklyn and center Brook Lopez coming to the Thunder.

"I don't pay attention to the media and rumors cuz I really don't care. If I see em in the lockerroom in the morning then they're here all that other stuff is none of my business and not my responsibility to see who stays and who goes."

As to whether he and Kevin Durant have any sway or any say-so in influencing GM Sam Presti's decisions on personnel Westbrook said, "that's not my job, my job is to come out and play and we have a great general manager, a great owner, great coach. They've done a great job putting this team together so I'm pretty sure they know what they need to do and what's best for us."

We'll have updates through the day here on the blog and especially on our Twitter feed page.