According to this column on yahoo.com, Jason Kidd wants to return to where it all began -- Big D. What a surprise.
But, do the Mavs really need Kidd? Or want his $20 million salary next season or his previous demands for $20 million more the season after that? Kidd has left his first two stops acrimoniously, Dallas and Phoenix. New Jersey is about to be the third.
Devin Harris, who took over as the starting point guard this season, was just coming into his own before Sunday's unfortunate bone bruise to his left foot, and to trade for the 34-year-old Kidd would be telling Harris, who also signed a five-year, $43 million extension in the offseason, that for the rest of this season and next season and possibly the season after that, you're the backup. Plus, it's doubtful the Nets take on Jason Terry's contract, so the Mavs' latest sixth man, who, in Avery Johnson's perfect world backs up Harris, would fit where?
These are decisions Mark Cuban and Donnie Nelson will examine closely. One Mavs executive said to do that to Harris doesn't make sense. Still, the thought of running Kidd with Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard is awfully tempting and could -- could -- be the topper to a championship. Of course, that also depends on who the Mavs must give up. A deal for Kidd might give the Mavs a significant trio, but could also leave them extremely thin.
And reality is that the Mavs probably can't alone can't pry Kidd. A third team would have to get involved to make the finances work. Obviously, Dirk Nowitzki wouldn't be part of any deal for Kidd and the Mavs have shown no inclination of dangling Josh Howard, who's posting All-Star numbers again this season and is a clear fan favorite and fixture in the franchise. Harris' extension, which kicks in next season, makes him nearly impossible to include into a deal, so the Mavs lack the one young, centerpiece player to ship to New Jersey.
The trade deadline is Feb. 21. With the Nets spiraling out of control, the Mavs missing their main point guard and the West up for grabs, it will be an interesting three weeks.
-- Jeff Caplan
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