Stephen Jackson, the veteran swingman whom the Bucks acquired from Charlotte in a three-team transaction last Thursday, said he wants to play four more seasons, meaning he's seeking a two-year extension from the Bucks that would expire when he is 37 years old.

Is Bucks general manager John Hammond, who has constantly preached about getting the Bucks' financial house in order, be willing to grant a player on the downside of his career an extension?

That remains to be seen. What we won't need to wait on is whether Jackson will remain a happy camper if his contract isn't extended.

When I asked how important an extension was to him, Jackson responded quickly and emphatically, saying, "It's mandatory.''