Jason Kidd has finally gotten his wish and is heading out of town. ESPN is reporting that the Nets and Mavericks have agreed to a deal that will send Kidd to Dallas. While the transaction has not be finalized, it is believed that Kidd and Malik Allen will head to Dallas in exchange for Jerry Stackhouse, Devin Harris, a couple of expiring contracts, some future draft picks and some cash.
For Kidd the trade brings his career back to its roots. Dallas originally selected Kidd out of California and he formed a part of the “Three J’s” along with Jamal Mashburn and Jimmy Jackson that was supposed to resurrect the Mavericks. But, Kidd and Jackson clashed over the affections of Toni Braxton and the Mavericks sent Kidd to Phoenix in 1997. Now he returns to a much better team and with the chance to win a championship.
For New Jersey this trade is about tomorrow. Devin Harris has become a good player, but he is not Jason Kidd. The success or failure of this trade will depend on what they do with the draft picks and expiring contracts. Clearly, New Jersey realized that they were not going to win with their current group and made a bold bet on the future. Do you think the team that plays across the river will notice?
UPDATE: Devean George has exercised his no-trade clause and blocked the deal. There is no word if the teams are going to try and figure out an alternate deal.
Photograph of Jason Kidd making a shot by Nazr Mohammed by Chuck Burton/AP
