According to ESPN.com, Jason Kidd is on the verge of being traded to the Dallas Mavericks, in exchange for PG Devin Harris, swingman Jerry Stackhouse, swingman Devean George, center DeSagana Diop, and guard Maurice Ager. Going with Kidd is forward Malik Allen. The Nets will also receive 3 million dollars and two first round draft picks.
This is a great move for the Nets, who get rid of a disgruntled Jason Kidd, all while picking up some serious cap relief. They also pick up two first round draft picks in which to build a team around. It will be interesting to see what happens next with this team. Rod Thorn worked wonders with this team before, and I think he can get them in the right direction again.
…Added by Tim Sharobem…
I love this trade for New Jersey. Point guard Devin Harris in my opinion is the centerpiece of this deal, averaging 14.4 points, 5.3 assists per game. While he may not be the field general the Mavs want, hence acquiring Kidd, Harris is only 24 years old. In addition, the Nets acquire veteran depth with Diop, George, and Ager. With Diop especially, the Nets now have four players who can play the 5 position on the floor- along with Sean Williams, Josh Boone, and Stromile Swift. It is widely speculated, as being reported by ESPN’s Chris Broussard that the Nets will release Jerry Stackhouse- involving him in the deal merely to match up salary. Stackhouse’s role for the Nets would have been greatly limited with Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson in the fold.
As for Dallas, this trade screams out “win now.” Possibly pressured by the Suns’ acquisition of Shaquille O’Neal and the Lakers deal for Pau Gasol, the Mavs felt the need to make this move to battle in what should be a WIDE OPEN western conference playoffs. Kidd, 34 years old, gives the Mavs a couple of years window to try and win a title that so many had predicted they would win a season ago.
While this trade does seem to hurt Dallas’ depth, head coach Avery Johnson is a former point guard…and he would know best how much of an impact Kidd can bring to a club like his.
Filed under: NBA - Nets, Writer - Christian Chiavetta, Writer - Tim Sharobem
[...] J-Kidd is a Mav.” This whole ordeal was a mini soap opera that is mercifully over. It was first reported last Wednesday that Kidd would be shipped to the Mavs. The deal was then blocked by Maverick Devean [...]