Reggie Jackson, the point guard for the Denver Nuggets, has already exercised his $5.3 million player option for the 2024–25 campaign. However, Jackson’s intentions to remain in Denver were abruptly cut short on Thursday night when it was revealed by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that Jackson would be traded by the Nuggets to the Charlotte Hornets.

According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Nuggets are also shipping the Hornets three second-round selections in 2025, 2029, and 2030.

Given how severely cash-strapped the Nuggets are, this is considered as a solely cap-clearing move. The Nuggets may need the cap room as they are purportedly negotiating on a maximum deal for Jamal Murray.

After Bruce Brown left during the previous offseason, Jackson took over as Murray’s primary backup point guard. Jackson made 23 starts in all 82 regular-season games while Murray was sidelined by various injuries. 10.2 points and 3.8 assists were his averages each game. Jackson played in 12 playoff games and averaged 3.5 points and one assist per contest. It was obvious that the Nuggets expected more from Jackson off the bench even though he was playing as a backup.

Jackson, a native of Colorado, played for his home team for the previous two seasons. In 2023, he was moved to the Nuggets, who went on to win their first NBA Championship. He would later receive a ring with them.

Now that Jackson’s $5.3 million contract has been released, the Nuggets are in an intriguing situation. Murray’s history of injuries means that the Nuggets need to locate a reliable backup point guard who can come in when necessary. With so little money to bring in any big-name players, the Nuggets may have to look in the “bargain bin” for this player.

On the bright side, Denver’s chances of re-signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are enhanced by Jackson’s departure. Caldwell-Pope is now a free agent after turning down his $15 million player option. In free agency, Caldwell-Pope is anticipated to get some attention. However, the Nuggets will need to increase their contract offer if they hope to attract him back.