Q: I enjoyed your analysis of the Kidd trade from Dallas' end, but us Nets fans would like your views on the trade from New Jersey's side. How do you see it affecting the Nets in the long run?
-- Eric, Tampa, Fla.
SG: I thought the Nets got 90 cents on the dollar for Kidd. Maybe Devin Harris isn't an elite point guard, but he's locked up in a reasonable contract (five years, $43 million) and there's an good chance he could thrive without Avery Johnson (the biggest control freak in the league) looking over his shoulder and nitpicking everything he's doing. I'm also a big DeSagana Diop fan -- if you don't think Dallas will miss him this spring, you're insane -- and if Jersey can re-sign him for a reasonable deal, that's a nice haul when you throw in the first-rounders and the cash. If Nenad Krstic ever bounces back from the longest recorded ACL tear on record, Jersey suddenly has a nice group of young big guys: Krstic, Diop, Sean Williams and Josh Boone. All of those guys can play.
One thing bugged me about the deal from Jersey's end: Kidd was being paid $20 million a year as Jersey's franchise player until he decided he didn't like his situation anymore -- a situation that, by the way, he could have altered five years ago by signing with San Antonio and playing with Duncan and Ginobili, only he stupidly stayed with the Nets when he was their only elite player -- so he made a stink and got himself traded because the union allows great players to sabotage their own situations to force trades. I get the whole "New Jersey respected Jason's contributions and wanted to do right by him" angle, but what about respecting the Nets' fans who bought season tickets to watch Jason Kidd this season? What about them? He mattered more than the entire fan base? Part of me wishes the Nets had told Kidd, "Go to hell" and kept him. Because that's always fun. But at least they got something back for him.
(Important note: I don't blame Kidd for throwing a hissy fit -- I would have done the same if I had to play with Vince Carter. I just hate when guys sign deals for franchise money, then don't feel obligated to carry the franchise through thick and thin. Yes, I'm talking to you, Jermaine O'Neal.)
Thoughts?
