There have been rumors surrounding Jason Kidd and where he could potentially end up. All things point to Kidd landing in Dallas. But how is this possible? Kidd has a contract that is huge ($19.7 million) so it is hard to match a trade that will fit both teams needs and salary.
First, the question we ask is: What do the Nets need?
After recently learning that Nenad Krstic admitted he came back too soon from surgery as well as getting little production from Jamaal Magloire, the Nets will need to get a decent big man in exchange for Kidd. The rebounder will need to mentor Josh Boone and replace a solid chunk of the Nets rebounding that they will lose from Kidd's 8.7 per game.
The Nets will also need a point guard who can take over right now. The guard needs to be willing to distribute the ball like Kidd has done and provide an additional scoring outlet for Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson. Darrell Armstrong and Marcus Williams are not strong enough to keep the Nets in the playoff hunt.
The Nets also lack a defender who can replace Carter if he's hurt and who can allow Jefferson to rest without worry. Ideally the Nets would like the land a lock up small forward who can be the third shooting guard to Antoine Wright or the third option at small forward behind Bostjan Nachbar.
Potential trade:
Dallas Gets: Jason Kidd
New Jersey Gets: Devin Harris, Erick Dampier, Trenton Hassell
Dallas has been reported to be the best or only suitor that fits all of the Nets needs. Dallas is getting great production from point guard Devin Harris, but could easily use Jason Terry (who they pay $8.89 mil and is coming off the bench) at that position. And with Kidd on board, Harris could be shipped out.
The Mavericks drafted big this year with Nick Fazekas and they have seen an upgrade in DeSangana Diop. So, in order to fit the big man need, Dallas could send veteran Erick Dampier to the Nets and move Diop into the starting line-up. Dampier's 6.4 rebounds per game along with Harris's 2.7 boards a game will make up for Kidd's 8.7.
The Mavericks could send known defender Trenton Hassell and his expensive contract to cover for Kidd's money. The Mavericks are already deep at SG/SF with Jerry Stackhouse, Eddie Jones, Devean George, Brandon Bass and Maurice Ager. Giving up Hassell will be an afterthought when Kidd is dropping dimes to Josh Howard or driving and dishing to Dirk for three.
The Nets would actually accept this trade because it gives them a good chance of winning now and also covers their concerns for the short future. Devin Harris, 5th overall pick in 2004, is only 24 years old. His scoring ability will easily make up for the loss of Kidd, Harris averages over 13 points per game which would likely go up in New Jersey. His assists per game numbers will probably never get to Kidd's, but not many players have Jason's vision, and dropping just over five per game already -- Harris will be able to find Kidd and Jefferson much the same as he's been finding Nowitzki and Howard.
Hassell has been unproductive as a Maverick, but in New Jersey he might be able to get into a position to rack up minutes and be a contributor. He's capable of scoring 10 a night, adding two steals and a few rebounds. As a Net, Hassell won't be as buried as he is on the Mavericks deep and talented bench.
Erick Dampier will become the Nets savior at center much like Mikki Moore was as a surprise break out last season. Dampier has veteran leadership to help up and comer Josh Boone as well as the paint presence to replace Magloire and Krstic.
New Jersey would get faster and younger in Devin Harris who would play alongside Marcus Williams for years to come. The Nets would replace the lack of a strong consistent big man by acquiring Dampier. With Hassell covering the dollars and cents as well as the teams best offensive option when Jefferson or Carter need a rest -- New Jersey shouldn't go anywhere but up with this trade.
The Mavericks would immediately jump to the level of the Spurs and Celtics after a trade for Kidd. Adding a triple-double machine to a team that had the best record in the NBA last season, Dallas will support a big three that is as good as any in the league. And Jason Terry would still be a sixth man.
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