NBA Rumors: Stephen Jackson Upset Over Lack of Contract Extension

To say that Milwaukee Bucks guard Stephen Jackson has been a bit controversial during his career would be an understatement.

Jackson's actions over the course of his career have been attention-grabbing at times and while he's sitting out practice currently with back spasms, he's also made it known that he's very unhappy about his current contract not being extended, reports Gery Woelfel at the Racine Journal-Times .

He wasn't happy about his deal not being extended a year ago in Charlotte, which was part of the reason he was dealt to Milwaukee as part of a three-team trade. After his initial press conference last June, he stated that a contract extension was mandatory.

Jackson is currently making $9.26 million and is also guaranteed $10 million next season. He is intent on adding another two years to his current deal.

While he hasn't been a disturbance as of yet and hasn't uttered a word publicly about not having a deal, growing speculation in Milwaukee is that he's very unhappy that Milwaukee's front office has yet to approach him.

The Bucks need to handle Jackson's situation very carefully.

There is no doubt he's a quality player. The 11-year pro and likely starter at shooting guard, Jackson averaged 18.5 points per game a season ago and is a big part of the Milwaukee offense.

But if they give Jackson the extra two years, it will take him through the 2014-2015 season in which he would turn 36 years old. Small market teams can't afford to hand out bad contracts and they could be treading into a dangerous territory with Jackson.

On the other hand, an unhappy Jackson could be a big distraction and that's also something Milwaukee doesn't need.

His situation is something to keep an eye on. Jackson isn't one to keep quiet when he has something to say, so his contract status could turn into big news in Milwaukee before long.