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Summary
I was surprised Jackson returned to the Clippers on a one-year minimum contract, as I thought he would get offers above that. Unless Jackson turned down bigger money to stay in Los Angeles, it seems the league really undervalued him last offseason. I'm not sure anybody in the playoffs helped improve their upcoming free agency market more than Jackson. He averaged just under 18 points per game in the playoffs, hitting 42% from three (which was actually down from the 45% he hit in the regular season) on some tough attempts. When Kawhi Leonard got injured, Jackson especially stepped up his game, becoming the second option next to Paul George.

In his prime years in Detroit, Jackson was a solid pick-and-roll lead guard, but he has now transitioned into a more secondary role, in which he has thrived as a secondary playmaker and spotup shooter.
 
Cap Considerations
Jackson will be an unrestricted free agent with a $1.7 million cap hold and Early Bird rights. Since the Clippers will most likely be operating over the salary cap, they will retain Jackson's Early Bird rights until he is re-signed or signs elsewhere. The Clippers could offer Jackson a starting salary of up to 5% more than the average salary (likely around $10 million) using the Early Bird exception. Jackson may get offers larger than that in free agency, but he could take a slight pay-cut to return to the Clippers, where it appears he wants to be.

If Jackson demands a starting salary of more than the full $9.5 million Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, only teams with cap space will be able to sign him. It's possible that Jackson could be had for the full MLE, but at that rate I would expect Jackson to just return to the Clippers.

Potential Teams: Clippers, Pelicans, Mavericks, Knicks, Heat

Predicted Contract: 3-year, $30 million (player option) with the Clippers

Actual Contract: 2-year, $21.6 million with the Clippers

Jackson got the full amount allowed using Early Bird Rights, which I believe was a good deal for both sides.

Last updated: 8/18/2021

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