Reports are in that Jason Kidd (and Malik Allen) will be sent to Dallas for a package including Devin Harris, Jerry Stackhouse, DeSagana Diop, Maurice Ager, Devean George, and 2 first round picks. Obviously, Jason Kidd is a fantastic player, one of the 50 greatest NBA Players ever. But that's just a bit too much for a guy that can't shoot and has lost a step defensively. Ate age 35, Kidd is now just an average defender, and his shooting has gotten a little worse, down to a career low 36.6%.
The key piece departing from the Mavs is Devin Harris. At 24, he's a full decade younger than Kidd. He's gotten better and better each year, once again bumping up his scoring and assist averages this season. His quickness also allows him to be a solid defender, and he averages 1.4 SPG (to be fair, Kidd averages 1.5). Harris is a better defender against guys like Tony Parker and Chris Paul, guys the Mavs will likely be playing against. He allows the Mavs to play a faster style when they want, and he was a key piece for the future.
They also give up Jerry Stackhouse, a valuable 6th man that averages nearly 10 a game and has lots of experience in big games for them. DeSagana Diop is limited in what he can do, but he does play defense very well. In a Conference where the other top contenders employ guys like Shaquille O'Neal, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Tim Duncan. Exchanging Harris for Kidd and giving up draft picks shows the main goal is to win it all in the next year or two, but that effort will be hindered with the loss of depth that Stackhouse and Diop brought.
Kidd's a great player, and he should be rejuvenated if the deal goes through and he's playing for Dallas. But I think the Mavs gave up just a little too much.
What are your thoughts?