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Where will Jason Kidd finish his career: Cleveland, Los Angeles, San Antonio, or Dallas?May 18 09  In July 2003, Jason Kidd had many suitors. The point guard had just led the New Jersey Nets to consecutive NBA Finals and as an unrestricted free agent he had the luxury of choosing between several ‘max’ offers. Kidd flirted with the San Antonio Spurs, but eventually re-signed with the Nets in part to facilitate his now ex-wife’s broadcasting career. After some successes and struggles in New Jersey, he was dealt to Dallas and became an integral part of Team Cuban’s playoff run. Six years after signing that 20 million dollar per season pact, Kidd will again be a free agent come summer. And like 2003, the future first ballot member of the Hall of Fame will have suitors. However, winning will be the priority. Kidd, who is pushing 40, understands this is likely his final contract, so Mr. Triple Double could sign a cheap one or two year deal if it provides him with an opportunity at an NBA Title. Expect the contenders to line-up for Kidd’s services. Below is a look at the front-runners: 1) Cleveland … The Cavaliers have three excellent guards (Boobie Gibson, Delonte West, and Mo Williams) but their backcourt lacks a playmaker. Kidd and LeBron James also have a relationship from their summers together with Team USA. Does Cleveland need Kidd? That depends. If they win the NBA Title, then GM Danny Ferry can pass on the veteran and still expect James to sign an extension this July. If Denver, Los Angeles, or Orlando captures the championship, then Ferry may have to appease his superstar by making changes and adding Kidd. 2) Los Angeles … This year, Shannon Brown, Jordan Farmar, and Derek Fisher have split minutes at the one-spot for the Lakers. All three have had some positive moments. And all three have had some difficult moments. Brown is a free agent at season’s end. He’ll likely sign elsewhere because the purple-and-gold have luxury tax issues. Farmar struggled throughout the regular season and Houston’s Aaron Brooks exposed Fisher in the second round. Kidd could conceivably supplant Fisher as the starter. His size and basketball IQ will appeal to coach Phil Jackson. And he also has a friendship with superstar Kobe Bryant. Just like with Cleveland, signing Kidd becomes a priority if Los Angeles falls short of the NBA Title. 3) San Antonio … An aging point guard doesn’t directly help Gregg Popovich’s crew get younger or more athletic. And after their disastrous playoff against Dallas, San Antonio has greater issues to address. Kidd could play significant minutes as a reserve or starter next to Tony Parker. That’s right, Parker slides to the two-spot and Kidd frees up the speedy Frenchman to become more of a scorer. Problem is the Spurs, following their post-season debacle, are no longer championship contenders. 4) Dallas … Forget Devin Harris and Avery Johnson, the Mavericks loved Kidd. And, from all reports, Kidd mostly loved his second go around with the Mavericks. But if winning it all is the priority, then a respectable Team Cuban will be hard pressed to keep their savvy table-setter. What team will sign J-Kidd: Cleveland, Los Angeles, San Antonio, or Dallas? Get at us in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of xue891. |
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