Mavericks on the Brink: Why the Jason Kidd Deal Needs to Happen

Jerry Stackhouse was planning on coming back anyway—take a 30-day vacation and return to the Dallas Mavericks to compete for an NBA title.

Jason Kidd, too, had nothing to lose. He made it clear he is unhappy with his situation in New Jersey. If the trade didn’t go through, he would continue to complain, but also continue to perform.

With the way the East is set up this season, he could also make another postseason appearance, even if it was just that—show up at the door and quickly leave after four embarrassing games against Detroit or Boston.

If the preliminary trade occurred, he’d immediately be teamed up with reigning MVP Dirk Nowitzki and a bevy of talent.

Devean George, however, had other plans. He blocked the trade that would have sent him, Stackhouse, and three other Mavericks to the Nets in addition to two future first-round picks and $3 million cash in exchange for Kidd and throw-in Malik Allen.

Now, one of those “other” players is left to wonder where he stands with a franchise who once considered him to be a cornerstone of its future.

Five months after Dallas signed Devin Harris to a five-year extension, and the president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson told the Dallas Morning News both Harris and the team were excited to have the former Badger long-term, he’s thrown out as prize bait to catch an aging, albeit great, point guard.

Beyond the question of why the Mavericks didn't make this deal before the season started to avoid eating their words on Harris is the dilemma that faces the team now:

They have to find a way to make their new proposed trade work. Otherwise, the bonds of loyalty and appreciation the two parties had for one another could be broken.

Harris is a pretty understanding, easy-going guy who likely understands the business of the Association: Worry about winning today if you can, not tomorrow.

Still, being involved in prolonged trade rumors hasn’t done a whole lot of good in the past. Just look how fed up Johan Santana got with talks. According to the St. Petersburg Times, he threatened to keep his no-trade clause if the Twins didn’t trade him by a certain date. Or the more recent situation where Chad Johnson said he doesn’t ever want to don a Bengals uniform again. (There are a few exceptions, like Manny Ramirez of the Red Sox, for instance. But it’s rare).

What’s unique about this situation is that it’s in the midst of a season. No matter what any PR guy for the Mavericks says, it’s a distraction.

And it’s a distraction that could ultimately fracture the team chemistry owner Mark Cuban and Avery Johnson have built up over the years, more so than adding a trade-deadline superstar should the trade not occur.

So get things straightened out and make this one happen, Dallas, for everyone involved.