Kidd Back to the Mavs Inching Closer and Closer

Thirty-six year old Jason Kidd wants to be on a playoff bound team next season. But at what price? 

According to multiple reports Kidd wants roughly a 3 year/$24 million contract with a "contending" playoff team.  That is a pretty hefty price to pay for any guy that averaged 9 points, 8.7 assists, and 6.4 rebounds in his previous season, not to mention a his age. That said, the Dallas Mavericks are reported to be ready to meet Kidd's contract demands and bring him back in a Mavs uniform for the 2009-2010 season. 

The Mavericks need a starting point and Kidd still has many talents in him—a good leader, good passer, quick hands, and a good three-point shooter. But is he worth $8 million a year? I don't think so.

What Does This Mean For the Mavs?

It means they are going to invest $8 million in cap space for an aging turtle on his career decline.  Committing to Kidd would put the Mavericks in a good situation temporarily, but would it help them two years down the road? Kidd already has trouble guarding quick point guards and the Western Conference has a plethora of them. 

My Prediction on What Happens If They Sign Kidd

The Mavs are going to give a Kidd $8 million a year to be a quick fix. My prediction is the Mavs will draft another guard. Either the draft pick or JJ Barea will take the PG starting job. This reminds me of when Jerry Stackhouse wanted a high-mid level contract on his career fall and the Mavericks gave him what he wanted. Now Mr. Stack is being really good at one thing...he's a great trade asset, which I think Kidd is going to be reduced to in the coming years. 

Although the Mavericks desperation for an accomplished point has blinded them from reality, signing Kidd wouldn't hurt the Mavericks, but would absolutely hinder them for a shot at these budding point guards whom I believe are better options then a 36-year-old Kidd.

Other Point Guard Options

Ramon Sessions, restricted free agent: Sessions showed really good signs of a legitimate starting point guard towards the end of season.  He can shoot, penetrate, and create his own shot, hence the Bucks hesitation to trade him. Even though he has a lot of room to let his game grow, I think he can do that as a starting point guard for the Dallas Mavericks. 

With the draft coming up, Milwauke's chance of drafting a young point guard is pretty high, which relinquishes their big need to try to resign Sessions.  Perfect opportunity for the Mavericks at this point to sign him at the MLE.

Terrence Williams, draftee: I think Terrence Williams is one of the few players in the draft that can have immediate impact on a team.  If something happens and the Mavericks are forced to stand pat at 22, T Williams will most likely be up on the board and if the Mavericks grab him, he can backup Barea long enough to let his game expand and absorb the starting point guard spot.

Sergio Rodriguez,  backup point guard for Portland Trail Blazers: You might look at this option and laugh really really really hard... but multiple reports have it that the Blazers are too interested in signing Kidd (they can offer him more money than the Mavs) and if they do, they won't have the need to have a third point guard, so their best option is to trade him. I think Rodriguez has similar skill set as Kidd and can very well run a team. S-Rod can shoot, pass, and penetrate with the same effectiveness of the naive 36-year-old Kidd. 

Although I would rather have a young Rodriguez than an aged gorilla in Kidd, he too, I think, will eventually be a quick fix... but a very cheap one.  He makes $1.6 million a season and the Blazers will happily trade him for someone like Shawn Williams (of the Mavs) who makes roughly the same amount of money.  A $1.6 million a year point guard versus an $8 million a year point guard who possess the same skills set as each other— hm, with this economy I would rather pay the $1.6 mill.

Saving the best for last...

Raymond Felton, restricted free agent: I think the Mavericks should use the money they would pay Kidd and spend it on something useful.  During the regular season, the Dallas Mavericks tried to get him via trade but here they can get their second chance in free agency. The Mavericks need for a starting point coupled with Charlotte's need of financial relief could prove dividends for the Mavs, this could be the their best chance of getting a legit young point guard.

Felt is a budding star in this league. He has all the intangibles the Mavericks are looking for. During the end of the season when the Bobcats where making a playoff run, he provided great leadership and made everyone around him better.  If the Mavs don't sign Kidd, Felton is by far the best remaining option.

Although there are many other point guard options out there in the league, I have listed just a few, but a few I think are realistic and inexpensive if the Mavericks were to venture to put any of these players in a blue, white, and green Uniform in the 09-10 season.