ESPN is reporting that a deal is in the works that would send Jason Kidd to the Dallas Mavericks.
The deal — salvaged from talks on a three-way trade with Portland that developed and fizzled quickly two weeks ago — has Dallas sending 24-year-old point guard Devin Harris, veteran swingman Jerry Stackhouse, the expiring contracts of center DeSagana Diop and swingman Devean George and guard Maurice Ager to New Jersey for Kidd and forward Malik Allen.
Sources say Dallas will also add the league-maximum $3 million in cash and send its first-round draft pick this June as well as a first-rounder in 2010.
Wow. Given the lopsided Gasol trade and Kidd’s demand to be moved, it looks like the Mavs are giving up an awful lot for a poor-shooting point guard that will turn 35 next month.
Before suffering an ankle injury, Devin Harris, 24, was enjoying something of a breakout season in his fourth year with Dallas. He is averaging 14.4 points and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 48.3% from the field. Harris plus two first round picks is a lot to give up for Kidd.
For his part, Kidd will bring toughness and leadership to Dallas. He is also a terrific rebounder for a guard and is always a threat to post a triple-double. The problem is his age. At 35, he may only have a season or two left of productive play while Harris has all the tools to be a top 10 point guard for the next 8-10 years. With Dirk Nowitzki turning 30 this summer, it’s clear that the Mavs think that their window is closing and that they wanted to get Dirk as much help as possible to make a title run in the next two seasons.
I love the trade for the Nets. I never thought they would get a terrific prospect like Harris plus two first round picks AND salary cap flexibility. There is good reason to be optimistic in New Jersey/Brooklyn.
