DALLAS — It was a “big-time surprise” to Justin Jackson when he got traded to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night.
At the time, Jackson was playing for the Sacramento Kings. And they were mere minutes away from playing a game against the Houston Rockets.
“I was already dressed out,” Jackson said. “I warmed up with the team and they were playing the video before our starting lineup (was announced).
“That’s when they told me while I was sitting on the bench. I always say a prayer before the game and then get up. I was sitting on the bench about to say a prayer and they came and told me I was part of a deal, and so I had to get off the court and go back to the locker room.”
Zach Randolph and Jackson were traded to the Mavs on Wednesday for Harrison Barnes, and the newest Mavs forward was at the team’s shootaround practice on Friday morning after a whirlwind 48 hours.
When he found out he had been traded, Jackson went to the Kings’ locker room and watched the first half. After talking to his wife, Jackson then went home before the second half started.
“I had to get to my wife,” Jackson said. “It was kind of a tough time at the time, but I had to get back to her and kind of sit down and kind of process things together.”
Part of that process for Jackson and his wife was realizing that they had to pack up and leave Northern California and move to North Texas.
“It’s kind of a crazy turnaround,” Jackson said. “Thankfully the All-Star break is only a week away.
“So during the All-Star break I‘ll be able to go back and things are a little bit more settled and I’ll be able to pack up stuff. It’s a crazy time these 48 hours, for sure.”
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