New Jersey Nets & L.A. Lakers Should Re-visit Jason Kidd-Andrew Bynum Trade
December 03 07
The Newark Star Ledger reports on the Nets turning down Jason Kidd’s request for a contract extension:
The Nets had turned down Kidd’s appeal for a contract extension just days before he made his bleak assertion about the team’s future, according to three people close to the point guard who requested anonymity so as not to damage his relationship with the team.
The 13th-year pro, one of the great players of his generation, makes $19.7 million this season and $21.4 million next year, the final year of his deal, which makes him eligible for a one-year extension for the 2009-10 season — or a two-year extension, if he waits until this summer.
My Quick Take: New Jersey owner Bruce Ratner rolls deep. The billionaire has shown Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson the money, signing his star wings to max contracts.
But the buck stops with Jason Kidd-literally.
Right now, the Nets have little interest in extending Kidd beyond 2010. New Jersey, like Seattle with Gary Payton, has reservations about committing big money to a veteran point guard.
That said, Kidd hasn’t aged and is still an elite table-setter. Unfortunately, it appears New Jersey’s big three have peaked and management is looking to make changes. Should the Nets call the Lakers and revisit last winter’s Kidd for Andrew Bynum deal?
Why New Jersey should deal Kidd for Bynum:
- The Nets won’t win the east with their current squad, acquiring a youthful Bynum helps set-up the future in their new Brooklyn stadium.
- The Nets already have two perimeter stars; Bynum solidifies their ozone sized-hole at center.
Why New Jersey shouldn’t deal Kidd for Bynum:
- J-Kidd is a Hall of Fame point guard, who leads the club on and off-the-court. Trading him tarnishes his legacy and accomplishments with the Nets.
- Kidd, because of his conditioning, could transcend his age and still dominate in his late thirties. There is no guarantee Bynum develops into an elite center.
Why L.A. should deal Bynum for Kidd:
- Acquiring Kidd would end the speculation about Bryant’s future. Mamba would stay put in Hollywood. After all, Jackson is on board. A Hall of Fame one-guard is running the point. Why would Bryant leave?
Why L.A. shouldn’t deal Bynum for Kidd:
- Bynum will be around for a decade after Kidd retires. And acquiring Kidd’s hefty contract isn’t easy for any team to assume, especially the Lakers who are already over the cap.
Verdict: New Jersey and L.A. should take another look at this trade. The Nets have maxed out their big three, while the Lakers need another superstar to ensure Bryant stays.
Ten months later, Kidd for Bynum still makes sense.
However, the All-Star probably remains in the swamps of Jersey until 2008. As the trade-line approaches, the Kidd rumors will heat up.
Kidd for Bynum? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts. Click here to read and subscribe to Oly Sandor’s NBA Blog.
