Jason Kidd Trade Conveniently Overshadows Dirk Nowitzki-Avery Johnson Strain?

The New York Post is reporting the following:

The Mavericks’ move on Jason Kidd has as much to do with Avery Johnson’s dissatisfaction with Dirk Nowitzki as a leader as with Devin Harris’ point-guard shortcomings. According to an infallible source, the Mavericks’ coach pressed team owner Mark Cuban to deal Dirk after the NBA’s MVP came up shamefully small against the Warriors in last season’s upsetting first-round elimination, but was overruled.

My AM Take: I remember a story about Larry Brown. In Detroit, after a bad practice or tough loss, the nomad sideline boss would demand GM Joe Dumars trade the entire roster.

Dumars, the Pistons’ architect, would let Brown vent. Then he’d calmly inform him why a deal wasn’t happening. Coaches get emotional. Owners and front office executives must act as the voice of reason.

However, if this report is true, Dallas has an issue. Coach-superstar relationships are forged on trust and accountability. Think Gregg Popovich-Tim Duncan, Mike D’Antoni-Steve Nash, and Sam Mitchell-Chris Bosh. Johnson could’ve ruined whatever bond he had with the former MVP by pressing for a trade.

Not surprisingly, Johnson’s request was vetoed by ownership. Mark Cuban is tight with Nowitzki. And the tycoon knows superstars are irreplaceable, while good coaches aren’t so scarce.

By overruling his coach, Cuban showed he values Nowitzki more than Johnson. Remember, the renegade owner and The Little General had a dispute over Johnson’s contract two summers ago. Could their relationship be strained?

Bottom line, Jason Kidd is arriving at the right time. He’ll take the ball and, for now, the spotlight.

Do you side with Nowitzki or Johnson? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts. The AM Take is Oly’s morning thoughts on the NBA appearing Sunday through Friday on HoopsVibe.com. Errors can be attributed to the time and his need for another coffee. Click here to read and subscribe to his blog.