Nets Kidd could be Dallas bound in blockbuster deal

The New Jersey Nets reached an agreement in principle on Wednesday to trade Kidd to the Western Conference powerhouse Mavericks in a block-buster trade, according to reports on ESPN.com.

 In the proposed deal, which the NBA office must approve, Kidd - one of the league's premier point guards - along with reserves Malik Allen and Antoine Wright, will head to the Mavericks.

 In exchange, the Nets would acquire starting point guard Devin Harris, veteran swingmen Jerry Stackhouse and Devean George, backup centre DeSagana Diop and guard Maurice Ager.

 Additionally, the Nets would receive the Mavericks' first-round pick in June's 2008 draft, a first-rounder in 2010 and the league- maximum 3 million dollars.

 However, George has reportedly blocked the trade, because of a no- trade clause in his contract.

 Though Kidd was with the Nets in Toronto, he was in street clothes and placed inactive pending notification. Nets coach Lawrence Frank is planning his days behind the bench without his leader and offered insight to the nine-time all-star, who is scheduled to play for the Eastern Conference in Sunday's mid-season showcase.

 "I love him. He's a very special person, but it's time for both him and the organisation to part ways," an emotional Frank told reporters before the Raptors routed the visiting Nets 109-91 on Wednesday night.

 One month short of his 35th birthday, Kidd has been playing at the top of his game this season. He is averaging 11.3 points, 10.4 assists and 8.1 rebounds, not far from his career numbers of 14.3 points, 9.2 assists and 6.7 rebounds.

 Most importantly, Kidd would provide Dallas with floor leadership.

 "You're talking about a guy who is probably going to be a first- ballot Hall of Famer, but the thing that sticks out to me about Jason is - when you try to explain him - is just that uncommon will. He just has a gear inside him that very few have," Frank said.

 "The guy is not a great shooter, he's not a great jumper, but he has unbelievable will, the toughness. Because how things ended, it might get lost, but there are so many times in the past where the guy said, 'Just jump on my back, and I'll be there to carry you.' You never forget that despite all the things that occur."

   Should the league approve the trade, it would send Kidd back to Dallas, where he began his career and shared 1994-95 rookie of the year honours with Grant Hill, before being shipped to Phoenix in 1996.

 He was dealt to the Nets in the 2001 offseason for Stephon Marbury and led New Jersey to consecutive NBA finals appearances in 2002 and 2003. However, New Jersey has not advanced past the second round of the playoffs, despite the 2004 arrival of superstar Vince Carter.