Public Defender

On NBA.com:

It seems like a pretty even trade to me... now, is this the 3rd time that KVH will be a Net, or just the 2nd?

If I'm a Nets' fan, I'm pretty happy. Kidd wasn't bringing New Jersey a championship, but now with Devin Harris and the two draft picks, the Nets might just have a future. Hassell's not a bad player, and Diop can be a serviceable center in the East. Not bad at all.

If I'm a Mavericks' fan, I'm praying that the team jells for the current playoff run. I have a feeling that it's either this year or next for Jason Kidd's 2nd (not 3rd, right?) campaign in Big D.

However, I'm a Blazer fan, and I'm a little skittish when I see huge trades go down that don't involve my team - especially after my team has been rumored to be in the discussions, and especially considering that while the team chemistry is good, it's a bit overloaded with "good but not great" talent (sort of like the '98-'99 team, for folks who remember the Jimmy Jackson/Walt Williams/JR Rider/Stacey Augmon rotation at SG and SF).

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Next year...

ProfitByProphet

Sucks that the Blazers didn't get their starting PG yet, but this is still good since Dallas will be absolutely nowhere in two years. They traded their future away for one or two shots at a Championship.

Dallas, the Western Conference thanks your for your idiotic, team-killing trade!

nikolokolus

I wouldn't call it "team killing" J-Kidd is a great addition to this team, it just means the window of opportunity has narrowed considerably ... I'll make the argument that the Mavs as they were configured were going to always be just a hair's breadth away from making it, now at least they have a shot.

ProfitByProphet

Unless they win the championship in the next two seasons it's inarguably a team-killing trade. With Harris they would have been contenders for the next decade. With the Kidd trade they've sacrificed that for one shot. If they are really lucky they may get two shots at it.

If they don't win a Championship this goes down as one of the worst trades in NBA history.

SodaPopinski

I'm fine with western conference teams making all these trades. In most of the cases (Phoenix, LA to some extent, and now Dallas), they are trading away their future in the hopes they can win now.

For the Blazers, what that means is that in 2 years when everyone realistically expected our long championship window to open, most of our competitors' will be closing.

Although the "me too" mentality kicks in from time to time during all this trade talk, I'm fine with the fact Kevin Pritchard is taking the San Antonio approach to building from within and strengthening with draft picks and minor free agent pick-ups. They have a pretty decent track record.

-Pop

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BlazerCaravan

It's funny that (and this must be a coincidence) all these Western Conference teams are gearing up with a "must win now" attitude after Portland and New Orleans have come into their own so quickly.

Their windows close. Our windows open.

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The kids are all right!

nikolokolus

Nowitski is pushing 30 and you really think the Mavs had 10 more years of contention for the title as built? wow.

drexlersdad

hmm, i guess if devin harris doesnt become a perenial all-star/box office draw/team usa standout in new jersey, it will be one of the worst trades in history as well.

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ProfitByProphet

Why? Kidd is no longer a perenial all-star or a box office draw. He only made it this year because of his name and lack of any quality PG's in the east. Kidd's not much of a draw, just ask the three season ticket holders in NJ, and Team USA doesn't play in NJ so I'm not sure how that's relevant.

They also got two first round picks, with the 2010 pick likely being a high lotto selection.

If Harris doesn't improve, and only plays at his current level (which is better than Kidd) it's already a great trade. Giving LeBron his Championship companion PG will be reward enough.

ProfitByProphet

Nowitski is 29 and will likely play at a high level for another 6-7 years and could probably play another 2-3 at a solid level. Even still they could trade him once he's past his prime for a bunch of young talent (see Kidd trade).

BTW, Dallas had a lot more talent than Nowitski. You didn't know that? WOW!

drexlersdad

interesting take, i also think lebron ends up in Brooklyn, but in reality, the mavs are in a win now mode, and i guess they think Kidd makes that a little more likely.

And i'm sure that Cuban will dissagree with Kidd not being a box office draw. He probably just sold out the next two years.

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ProfitByProphet

I think this could help them win now for sure. I'm not sure if it will, but it will be an exciting post season that's for sure. And I'm pretty sure Kidd will not sell one additional seat as they already sell out every game.

drexlersdad

well jeseys and foam fingers then, and beer when he misses 3 pointers.

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BlazerFan22