NBA Free Agency 2012: Why Jason Kidd Must Follow Deron Williams Wherever He Goes

"He is the key."

Jason Kidd just keeps making it increasingly clear that he wants to play alongside his golfing buddy and friend from the 2008 Olympic roster as he finishes out the twilight of his long and storied NBA career. 

Not only is Kidd's riding on Deron Williams' coattails a good idea for the next season, but it's a must if Kidd is going to finish his professional playing career on a high note. 

The versatile Dallas Mavericks point guard is now an unrestricted free agent and has expressed interest in playing for three different teams during the upcoming season. 

One of the options is moving to New York and serving as a mentor for Jeremy Lin and the New York Knicks. Lin has looked up to Kidd throughout his career and the veteran may be able to help smooth the dynamic between the young up-and-comer and the established stars on his team. 

However, the Knicks may not be able to afford both Lin and Kidd. Additionally, despite Kidd's assertions that it would be a fun experience, going to the New York Knicks doesn't give the 39-year-old point guard the same opportunity to compete. Between Amar'e Stoudemire's ailing body and Carmelo Anthony's ball-stopping ways, a championship is above the current Knicks' ceiling. 

The same cannot be said about the two places that Kidd could play with Williams. As strange as it may sound right now, the Brooklyn Nets can compete for a championship if they retain Williams and add a few more pieces. With the allure of Brooklyn and the unreleased jerseys, some key free agents might be willing to join forces and turn the Nets into an immediate contender. 

As for the Dallas Mavericks, the other team that Williams and Kidd could join forces on, well, they'd obviously be competing for a championship with Deron and Dirk Nowitzki on the same squad. 

Either option that would pair up the two friends would be better than playing home games at Madison Square Garden, despite all the success that Kidd has had there in his career. 

It's not often that a veteran point guard understands that he needs a diminished role, but Kidd's intelligence on the court allows him to do so. The point guard himself put it out there perfectly: 

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"My days of playing 38 minutes are over. For me, it’s the backup role to give him time to rest, but also coming down the stretch to have the chance to play alongside Deron, I think we can be successful."

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Latching on with a talented point guard like Williams and providing veteran leadership off the bench is the perfect way for Kidd to have a shot at a second ring. Wherever the All-Star point guard goes, Kidd must follow.