Kidd Headed To Dallas - But Is It A Year Too Late?

In an effort to keep up with the Kobes and Nashes, Dallas is on the verge of finalizing a long-rumored trade with New Jersey that would bring Jason Kidd to the lone star state. ESPN is reporting that the deal would look as follows:

New Jersey Gets: Devin Harris, Jerry Stackhouse, the expiring contracts of Devean George, Maurice Ager and Desagna Diop and 2 of Dallas' first round picks (2008 & 2010).

Dallas Gets: Jason Kidd and Malik Allen

Why Dallas Did This Deal

In the span of a week, two teams out west have thrown all their proverbial chips in the middle of the table and decided to go title or bust in 2008. Jason Kidd certainly makes the Mavs a better team right now. His uncanny ability to run an offense in an unselfish manner and with great efficiency should raise the games of Dallas' trio of talented scorers - Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry and Josh Howard - to new levels. In addition, Kidd's contract expires at the end of next season, so Dallas is not taking on a killer contract that will ruin their long-term cap flexibility... unless they extend Kidd beyond 2009 which is a possibility.

I respect Dallas for making this trade, especially since their first round exit last season showed this team might not win it all as currently constructed. However, I find it funny that teams like the Mavs and Suns waited until now to mortage their future in exchange for 1-2 year championship windows.

The West is arguably as strong as it has ever been with no signs of decline. If you don't believe me ask the Houston Rockets who are currently 11 games over .500 yet would fail to make the playoffs if they started today. My point is, had one of these teams pulled the trigger on this sort of deal last season, the Spurs might not be champions right now. For the Suns and/or Mavs, 2008 might be a case of too little too late. Additionally, the future is no longer looking as hot given the emergence of young teams like the Hornets and Blazers. San Antonio, its your move.

Why New Jersey Did This Deal

The Nets are simply far worse then the names on paper imply. Vince Carter has regressed overall and appears unmotivated (after getting paid this summer - shocker), injuries have stunted/derailed the growth of once promising big man Nenad Krstic and the Nets bench has been futile at best. Thus, with no chance to win the East for the next 2-3 years and promising youngsters waiting in the wings, trading a soon to be 35 year old point guard with immense value is simply the right move.

The Nets got a great haul in this deal to begin the rebuilding process. They landed a dynamic young point guard in Devin Harris to pair with Marcus Williams, 2 first round picks and future cap space in the form of 3 expiring contracts. In addition, shedding guys like Malik Allen and Antoine Wright (in a subsequent deal with Dallas for a future 2nd round pick) opens up more playing time for emerging forwards Sean Williams and Josh Boone.

Fantasy Impact

Dallas Mavericks

Kidd should continue to put up nearly a triple double in Dallas and might actually see an increase in points and assists (crazy) playing with a more talented ensemble cast on offense. Although it appears that Dallas shipped off a lot of bodies in this deal, they get back Antoine Wright who should be a bench contributor and Jerry Stackhouse should be bought out immediately by the Nets and back in a Mavs jersey in 30 days.

In the meantime, keep an eye on Brandon Bass and Jose Juan Barea off the Mavs bench. Barea is an adept shooter and may pick up Stack's slack, helping fantasy teams in three pointers and scoring. Bass has been playing pretty well of late and should be of assistance in points and rebounds. Both guys should only be considered in deeper leagues.

New Jersey Nets

This trade actually hurts the value of Devin Harris as he will most likely be splitting time with Marcus Williams. On the same token I give Marcus Williams a little bump in value as he will see plenty more time at point guard with Kidd gone. Of course, if Vince Carter is traded before the deadline that all changes as the Nets will most likely run them out there together, stay tuned.

I would also upgrade Sean Williams and Josh Boone a bit but lets not get carried away. In the second half the Nets will still give Krstic ample playing time in order to see what they have. Also, there have been rumors of a Jermaine O'Neal for Vince Carter deal that could seriously hurt the fantasy values of both youngsters.

FSE will have more on the rumored Carter-O'Neal trade tomorrow.