Cavaliers

Positives: LeBron James, GM duties, Dan Gilbert

Negatives: Mid-sized market, cold winters, Dan Gilbert

The skinny: The chance to coach LeBron would have to appeal to Jackson, who built a dynasty around Michael Jordan. Also, new owner Dan Gilbert seems like he's committed to winning and could offer Jackson full control over personnel decisions now that GM Jim Paxson has been let go. However, the Zen Master might be too much of a big-city guy to settle in Cleveland. He also might be leery of Gilbert's proactive approach. Jackson doesn't like meddlers, as his battles with former Bulls GM Jerry Krause attest.

Odds: 4 to 1.

Trail Blazers

Positives: Paul Allen, GM powers, Northwest locale

Negatives: Suspect roster, small market, uncertain future

The skinny: Allen's wealth and hands-off style no doubt would appeal to Jackson. The Blazers do have some promising young talent, and with GM John Nash currently in limbo, Allen could offer the Zen Master the title of GM/coach or at least give him more control over personnel matters. But the Blazers might have too many young, headstrong players for Jackson's tastes, and there are rumors Allen might be getting ready to sell the team. Allen recently said he thought Jackson's price tag might be too high, anyway.

Odds: 5 to 1.

Timberwolves

Positives: Kevin Garnett, Montana proximity, solid organization

Negatives: Money, market size, Kevin McHale

The skinny: Like the Cavs' and Lakers' situations, Jackson would have a chance to build around a superstar in Garnett. He also would be close to his Montana cabin, where he likes to retreat in the offseason. But it's highly doubtful T'wolves owner Glen Taylor would be willing to pay Jackson $8 million or more per season, especially when he's still paying fired coach Flip Saunders. Also, the notion of Jackson (Bulls, Lakers) and McHale (Celtics) working together is somewhat hard to imagine -- and not only because of Red Auerbach.

Odds: 10 to 1.

Magic

Positives: Warm weather, Dwight Howard, Disney World

Negatives: Small market, suspect roster, Shaq sightings

The skinny: The Magic are lobbying for public money to help build a new arena, and some have suggested they pay Jackson whatever he asks to create excitement about the team and generate support. Jackson interviewed with Orlando several years ago, and might be intrigued by the chance to work with Howard. But Steve Francis probably isn't Jackson's kind of player, and the Magic roster looks shaky right now. Besides, would Jackson really want to see Shaq four times a year in the Southeast Division?

Odds: 20 to 1.