First of all, let me say that I am hopeful that Jack and his contract situation don't become a major issue during the season. I don't expect him to get any sort of extension before the season starts and I would think that once the season starts Jack will be just as loyal to his new teammates as he has been to all of his other ones and man up and play hard despite his perception that he is underpaid.

BUT, what if he does take it personally and can't get over it? I'll warn you that if you are not in the mood for hypotheticals stop reading now. This is all going to be pure speculation based on the idea that Jack will become a problem in the locker room and need to be moved. Let's be honest, I'm a little bored and there really hasn't been anything to talk about for a while. 

So, here are a few ideas if things get ugly, like real ugly. It's important to keep in mind that these trades would be made under some duress (or perhaps before things completely  deteriorate) so they won't be ideal. Some are more optimistic than others, so take it for what it's worth.

#1

S. Jackson, M. Bellinelli

for

J. Terry, 1st Rnd pick

For GSW

Pros: Well, Jet would work pretty well in a backcourt with Monta. He could help handle the ball and facilitate the offense when need be. He would also space the floor and help open lanes for Monta and Maggs. He could play either guard position which Nellie would like. A mid-to-late first Rnd pick would always be nice (if we could get one out of them).

Cons: His contract is longer than Jack's so this would essentially kill any flexibility that we would have in 2010. Defense would definitely be an issue. Monta and Jet would likely be very soft and undersized on the defensive end.

For Dallas

Pros: They are definitely in win now mode this year and they don't really have a SG who is ideal for their system. Jackson would definitely make them a stronger defensive team and he plays well in an "iso" type system where he can space the floor, attack the basket 1 on 1, or post up. Plus it frees up some salary in 2010 at which point this team would probably be in rebuilding mode.

Cons: We all know what makes Jack less than ideal. After Howard's trouble they might not want to take on another guy with "character issues".

#2

Jack, Marco

for

Q. Richardson, D. Lee

Note: Lee is kind of a wildcard here. D'Antoni is reportedly not very high on Lee but he has received a lot of hype during his time in the league. This is kind of contingent on the NYK deciding that Lee doesn't fit in with their future plans. With the new management in NY I really have no idea what these guys are looking to do.

For GSW

Pros: We get a shooter to space the floor who has in the past excelled in an up-tempo system in Q-Rich and an extremely talented (if offensively limited) rebounder in Lee. We would maintain our financial flexibility if we don't decide to extend Lee at the end of the year. Of course if he turns out to be as good as a lot of people think he could be we would be happy to extend him.

Cons: Defense. Q-Rich is a big step down from Jack. He hasn't played well in quite a while. Lee could create a bit of a logjam in the front court (might not be a bad thing). Also, Lee doesn't make a whole lot of sense next to Andris offensively, so he might not make much sense long-term.

For NYK

Pros: Jack is definitely an upgrade over Q-Rich. Assuming that D'Antoni won't make much use of Lee, this trade would make them a better team. Plus, honestlly, Jack was born to be a Knick, right?

Cons: Are they really ready to give up on Lee? Is Jackson in NY a recipe for disaster? Are you really still reading this?

#3

S. Jackson, A. Harrington

for

A. Daniels, N. Young, A. Blatche, E. Thomas, 1st Rnd pick (maybe)

For GSW

Pros: Can you say youth movement? Al has reportedly quietly asked for a trade already so it would make sense to move them together if possible. Daniels would play well alongside Monta with his ability to run the offense and guard the opposing SG and be a positive veteran presence on the team. Young is an exciting young player who would fit in well in Nellie-ball and score in bunches. Blatche is a long athletic forward oozing with potential and is locked up for a few years at a very reasonable price. Thomas writes poetry and is politically active... yeah that's about it.

Cons: Well this would seal the deal. No playoffs. Definitely a step back with some hope for the future. Nick Young might not make a whole lot of sense next to Monta long-term in that they are both undersized SG's at this point in their career. We are giving up the two best players in the trade, and under normal circumstances you never want to do that.

For the Wiz

Pros: Hey, a line-up of Arenas, Jackson, Butler, Jamison, Anyone, with Harrington as a 6th man sounds pretty potent to me. They could win a lot of games with those guys. They get rid of Thomas' contract.

Cons: Are there enough shots to go around? Are they willing to part with their youth to commit to this line-up? 

Conclusion

Well, after taking a look at some possibilities that might still be on the table if Jackson becomes a problem, I'm hoping even more that this is a non-issue. We are already on shaky ground and being forced into a trade this season could spell disaster. Let me make it clear that Jackson doesn't really have any leverage here beyond becoming a malcontent, but the fact that he might not be a part of Mullin's long-term plans might also compel him to trade him now while he is coming off of a career year (mostly thanks to high MPG and a ton of FGA's). Also, I can't believe that I wrote this much about such a vague hypothetical topic. Dang, I'm ready for training camp.

Questions:

What do you guys think we could get back for Jackson if Mullin decides to make a move this year?

Does this situation scare you?

Did I really just spend that much time writing about something that will probably never happen? Should I go to bed now?