jk Jason Kidd?

Marc Stein, [no its not Ric Bucher so we cant ignore it], first reported that Jason Kidd had finally got his wish to play for the Mavs. Next, came the frenzy of both positive and negative views. It looked like this would actually happen, a third mega deal in less than two weeks. But Davean George happened. Yes, I said Devean George. O, and he followed it up with a 0-11 effort against the Trail Blazers.

Why and how would George do such a thing? George possessed the ability to veto trades from a RARE provision for people that have signed a second contract, a 1 year contact in George's case, with the same team to have such a right. Now, why would George do this? He is 30. He is probably going to get one more decent contract so he wants to make the most of it. Thus, he believes that playing in Dallas, especially due to the injury to Josh Howard, will get him more exposure and thus more money. Furthermore, George would lose his bird rights if he were traded. Thus, only a team under the cap or a rare team that will risk the luxury tax to use the mid level exception would be able to sign him. However, in Dallas, since Dallas can go over the cap to sign him, it would be easier to facilitate a sign and trade. However, this may come back to bite him is say, Avery Johnson decided toplay hardball and not play him.

Can the deal proceed without George? Yes. Is it probable without him? Probably no. Cuban, for all his spending, is reluctant to pony up the some 20 mil it would cost him to sign Kieth Van Horn to trade him and the Nets are not really enamored with the prospect of getting the extra year on Trenton Hassell and Dallas would be more reluctant to trade him than George. Nets would have decent cap room, probably around the 12-15 mil range if they let Harris walk after next season or perhaps even that much or more this summer if they can more Vince Carter and get some expiring contracts. For New Jersey this is a solid deal, with them getting a 10 year younger, 2 PER better, almost .100 better shooting PG, who has a much better defensive efficiency according to Hollinger. For Dallas, they get the leadership and now have a core that may be able to content with the powered West and may be able to seize the small window they have.