In the weeks leading up to the trade deadline, Stephen Jackson heard the rumors swirling around the Charlotte Bobcats. The team was actively shopping most of its players and looking to make a deal. He anticipated a move and assumed that changes were likely coming in Charlotte.

But after watching the team trade veterans Gerald Wallace and Nazr Mohammed for expiring contracts, youth and two first-round picks, Jackson wasn’t thrilled about the changes made. It certainly seems that the Bobcats are more focused on rebuilding than making a playoff push this season, and that’s not something a 32-year-old veteran wants to see.

Seeing Wallace dealt was especially difficult for Jackson because the two were close and they had experienced success together last season.

"It was frustrating considering me and him helped this team get to the playoffs together last year," Jackson said. "It was the first time for the organization and we were starting to build something beautiful here. But at the end of the day, this is a business. I was definitely hurt by it and I still miss him, but I still have a job to do."

Jackson knows firsthand that midseason trades are frustrating for a player, and he feels for Wallace as he adjusts in Portland.

"Gerald has kids who are in school, a wife and he has a house here," Jackson said. "He had been here seven years so his situation is different than a guy that was on the team for one year. After being there seven years, that basically becomes your home and you have to uproot and move everything. I’m pretty sure his kids have to stay because they’re in school and the school year is only halfway done. There are a lot of things that come into play. If it’s your first year with the team and you’re renting, it’s easier. The other team you’re traded to can just put you in a hotel for 30 days while you’re there. It’s difficult, but when you have family, it’s more of an adjustment because you’re affecting other people."

"I’ve been in that situation before where I’ve been traded during the season," he said. "It’s happened three or four times now and it’s difficult. But at the end of the day, you just have to think that you still have a great job and you’re blessed to play this game so he’ll be alright."

Bobcats’ owner Michael Jordan and general manager Rod Higgins have been criticized for the timing of the two trades because the Bobcats sit just outside of the playoff picture in the East. When asked about the timing of the deals and the direction of the team, Jackson would neither endorse nor oppose the decisions made by his bosses.

"I don’t think that’s my place. You know what I mean? I think my job is to play basketball, and let MJ and Rod handle that. That’s where I’m at with it. All I know is that I’m going to go out there and worry about what I can control, and that’s my play. Whichever guys I have in here to go to war with, that’s who I’m going to war with. I have no control over that so I don’t worry about it," Jackson said.

"If I owned the team, yeah [I'd want a say]," he continued. "But I work for Michael Jordan. I work for Rod Higgins. I’m just going to play my role and play basketball."

Now that the team will be without a former All-Star, Jackson knows that other players will have to step up in his absence. He knows that Wallace’s contributions will be tough to replace as the team tries to compete for one of the final playoff spots in the conference.

"It’s hard because not only are you adjusting to new people and playing with them, we’re missing three or four blocks per game, twelve rebounds and twenty points from Gerald," Jackson said. "We’re not going to get that from one person. We have to get that collectively. Joel [Przybilla] has to come in and get some rebounds and blocks that Gerald would get. We need Gerald Henderson and Shaun Livingston to make up for those points. That’s why it’s going to be important to see if we can come closer during practice because we really don’t have that much time."

Head coach Paul Silas said that the trades will slightly change Jackson’s role. He’ll spend the majority of his minutes at the forward positions and will find himself matched up against more big men on the defensive end.

"I’ve played the two, three, four and even a little bit of five in Golden State," Jackson said with a smile. "It doesn’t matter. Wherever coach wants me to play, that’s fine. I know my role of scoring is still the same, but it’s even easier for me now because I’m guarding bigger guys now instead of chasing those two guards around. I have more energy now because I’m not guarding those two guards. But really, I’ll do whatever I need to do to help this team."

Jackson is trying to make the best of the situation in Charlotte, but he doesn’t want to waste the prime of his career on a rebuilding team. It’s the same reason that things went sour with the Warriors, and it may be just a matter of time before Jackson is the veteran parting ways with the Bobcats.

New York’s Next Move: The New York Knicks began their roster overhaul last week by finalizing their thirteen-player trade with the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves, but they’re far from finished. The Knicks will make more moves in the coming days as they look to surround their new pieces with the most talent as possible.

{AUTHOR_BOX}After waiving Kelenna Azubuike last night, the Knicks are expected to complete a buyout with Corey Brewer this afternoon, according to sources close to the situation.

The decision to waive to two players came over the weekend after Donnie Walsh, New York’s president of basketball operations, saw how many players were receiving buyouts following one of the most active trade deadlines in league history.

The team’s first move will be officially signing Jared Jeffries. The decision to sign the former Knicks was made early on because his buyout had been expected for several months and his interest in New York was clear. But players such as T.J. Ford, Dan Gadzuric, Leon Powe and Rasual Butler were surprise additions to the free agent pool.

Walsh contacted several of these potential free agents on Saturday and informed them that the Knicks were going to create roster spots so that they could pursue some of the available talent.

One player that the Knicks have shown interest in throughout the season is Earl Barron, but he is on his way to Milwaukee to sign a 10-day contract with the Bucks this afternoon. New York could reemerge as a potential suitor for Barron if he doesn’t stick in Milwaukee.

Veterans such as Troy Murphy and Mike Bibby are also unlikely options for New York. Murphy is deciding between Boston and Miami soon, and Bibby started imagining life alongside LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh immediately after being traded last Wednesday.

The Knicks have plenty of options and will have some decisions to make in the coming days as they look to bolster their roster for a playoff run.

UPDATE: The New York Knicks have signed forward Derrick Brown, the team announced today.

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