While many of us “outsiders” assumed triple-double machine Jason Kidd was Dallas-bound, true “insiders” — so inside they were part of the deal — knew otherwise.
What initially lined up as a deal stacked heavily in favor of New Jersey — The Mavericks offered Devin Harris, Jerry Stackhouse, Devean George, DeSagana Diop, Maurice Ager, $3 million and two first-round picks — ended up on the chopping block not due to its imbalance, but instead, thanks to a rejection by Mr. George, and an outspoken exploitation of a lesser-known NBA trade loophole by Mr. Stackhouse. If Stack went to the Nets, it would be by name only, as they were expected to buy out his contract immediately, and due to a rule implemented by the league 3 years ago, he would have to sit out 30-days before he re-signed with the Mavs. So, in fact, he would not be “part” of the deal, per say.
The deal still may be in play, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein. If the Nets can convince George to rescind his trade block by working out some type of deal, the 34-year-old Kidd may end up rejoining the team he was drafted to in ‘94 and subsequently shared Rookie of the Year honors that season along with Grant Hill.
But seriously, a 34-year-old for 2 first-rounders, a great young guard, a defensive big man (Diop) and a player whose headed back to his original team once the teams sign at the dotted lines?
What happens to Dallas’s depth at that point? How do they keep up with the fast-running Suns (yes, even with Shaq Daddy) and the super-deep returning champ Spurs? Is it worth unloading Diop and Harris (two of their best defenders) just to get one great but aging point guard?
I think not.
But maybe the Mavs are just trying to keep up with the Joneses (Lakers & Suns) by making a move — any move — for a big name to join them in the arms race out West. Not that Kidd isn’t great — he most definitely is — but the apparent imbalance makes it believable that panic caused Mavs owner Mark Cuban to keep nodding his head as the Nets kept piling on the demand request (dessert) tray.
4 Feedbacks on "Who Can Kidd At A Time Like This?"
Huddy
I agree. I think it’s a bit much to give up for Kidd. But on the other hand, with the “win now” mentality and in an effort to keep up with the Lakers, Suns, etc., I guess Cuban felt he had to do something, even if it doesn’t make long term sense.
Tim
Considering how quickly rookies can contribute in the NBA, the two 1st-rounders is a high price alone. Add to the fact that Harris is a budding star and Diop made his bones down-low in the playoffs playing serious D even before the rest of the Mavs remembered how to play it… it’s quite a bit. But I guess what’s a Cuban-run team without a big splash?
Had Isaiah Thomas made this trade (from the Mavs’ side, giving up lots and lots for 1 big name) don’t you think he would’ve been castrated (further) by the press?
NBA Roto
There’s just plain idiocy on the part of many.
1) Mark Cuban for setting up the side-deal with Jerry “the idiot” Stackhouse.
2) Devean George for not realizing that he’ll get more playing time in New Jersey and his value could actually increase by playing with the Nets.
3) Jerry “the idiot” Stackhouse” who couldn’t handle the fact that he was one of many being traded for Kidd. What a fragile ego.
I enjoy your blog….
http://www.nbaroto.com
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[...] so you know, I stand by my original statement that the Mavs are the losers in the deal – What happens to Dallas’s depth at that point? [...]
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