However many thousands of dollars Conan paid lawyers to negotiate his "Tonight Show" deal, it wasn't enough. Or it was way too much. Depending on how you want to look at it.

Conan's lawyers apparently forgot to specify a time slot for "The Tonight Show," never imagining, perhaps, that NBC would be so boneheaded as to move a show that has been in the same slot for decades.

Thus, Conan can't bolt for another network without voiding his contract and passing on the tens of millions of dollars he would otherwise be owed:

[Conan's] contract, NBC is arguing, guaranteed Mr. O’Brien would be installed as host of “The Tonight Show” — and unlike many other deals for late-night stars, Mr. O’Brien’s contract contains no specific language about the time period the show would occupy, NBC executives said. (Bill Carter, NYT)

In other words, NBC could move "The Tonight Show" to the Twilight Zone and Conan wouldn't be able to argue breach of contract.

So that means that Conan can't storm off the set and go to FOX unless he wants to forgo the $45 million NBC otherwise owes him (or whatever portion of it still applies).

So what should Conan do?

Stay put until the end of the contract. Make the "Tonight Show" whatever he wants it to be. Aim to rule the DVR and online video world like Jon Stewart. Ignore Leno, Jeff Zucker, and the brass at NBC. Get paid $10+ million a year to do exactly what he wants to do for two years and THEN go to FOX.