Better Win Now Baby: Should The Dallas Mavericks Have Acquired Jason Kidd?

The Associated Press is reporting the following:

Kidd is the centerpiece of a proposed deal between the Mavericks and New Jersey. Various media reports say Dallas will send emerging point guard Devin Harris, veteran Jerry Stackhouse and reserves DeSagana Diop, Devean George and Maurice Ager to the Nets, with forward Malik Allen going from New Jersey to the Mavericks.

My Quick Take: Mark Cuban must know the classic Shakespeare saying “thou protest too much”. After all, Dallas’ renegade owner had been telling anyone who’d listen that the Mavericks had little interest in the Nets’ Kidd.

Just a few hours ago, Cuban acquired the Hall of Fame point guard from New Jersey in a massive deal. A little misdirection from the former Dancing With The Stars contestant.

Forget the shock. And the annoying Cheshire smile on Cuban’s face. Was this the right trade for Dallas?

Yes …

On the one hand, the Mavericks had to make a move. They’d dropped their past two games and needed an injection of enthusiasm and swagger. Enter Kidd. In the short-term, his size, passing, and rebounding will make life easier for Coach Avery Johnson.

Also, Dallas must believe their window-to-win is now. Why else would they trade a blue-chip, up-and-coming point guard for a 36 year old table-setter with only a few years left?

Personally, I don’t buy the theory they had to make a move after L.A. and Phoenix acquired Pau Gasol and Shaquille O’Neal. The Mavericks had been talking for some time with New Jersey.

No …

Eventually, Kidd will retire. When that happens, Harris will be in his prime as a top six point guard. The 24-year old has already earned rave reviews because of his world-class quickness.

Final Word: For that grin to stay on Cuban’s face, Kidd must lead Dallas to an NBA Title.

Was this the right move for Dallas? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts. Click here to read and subscribe to Oly Sandor’s NBA Blog.