Nets may TRADE KIDD!

[spursfan101]

(Spursreport.com)According to several published reports, Nets CEO Rod Thorn has acknowledged holding "conversations regarding every player on our team over the past month."

Thorn has discussed Kidd's availability around the NBA.

New Jersey is suffering financially and the new owners are not willing to float empty seats and empty revenue streams at Continental Arena.

Several team sources insist the chances of returning Jason Kidd, Kenyon Martin and Richard Jefferson are dim unless the club can clear some money.

Yesterday, the New Jersey Herald reported that Kidd had a weekend golf date with Thorn that assuredly took on a different tone than the one this time a year ago, when past ownership and the top basketball executive were desperately trying to sell his star on the franchise's championship vision in order to keep him from signing with the San Antonio Spurs. Those familiar with Kidd's thinking say he's unnerved by the organization's retreat, but expect that it won't be long until he's embracing a trade to a preferred destination.

With knee surgery on its way (July 1st), and the uncertainty how it will impact a talent predicated on running, there couldn't be a worse time to try and move him.

"We'll know in the next couple of days, but he'll probably end up having surgery," said Thorn, noting at least "he's going to have a scope [arthroscope] done."

The New York Post reports that "Kidd's surgery could coincide with the start of the free-agency period Thursday as part of a week that simply is riddled with intrigue for the Nets, who are under severe cost-cutting measures from incoming owner Bruce Ratner. The NBA is expected to approve Ratner as owner this week. Season ticket holders are expected to start burning checks shortly thereafter, especially if Kenyon Martin walks."

Trading Kidd is difficult, given his salary and the impending surgery. But it is something the Nets are said to be considering, especially if Martin receives a maximum contract offer from another team.

Martin is a restricted free agent, but Denver and Atlanta figure to be the two teams with the most interest and money. Martin has an extremely close relationship with Nuggets GM Kiki Vandeweghe.

"Anything is possible regarding anybody," one team exec told the New York Post, claiming no scenario is too far-fetched, that the Nets have explored and discussed all possibilities, including trading Kidd or seeing Martin walk.
 

[ziggy]

It all comes down to Zo Mourning.  His 4 year deal has put them far into the luxury tax, and eliminated their flexability.  That is part of the reason for the trade of their #1 draft pick to Portland.  Get rid of cap space, and get cash.  Indications are the Nets would rather have Martin at a lower salary than Kidd, so very very high probability that Kidd is gone.

[Joe Vancil]

And the NBA is going to APPROVE these owners?

If I'm an NBA owner (and my name isn't Donald "Cheapskate" Sterling), this right here tells me to give these owners the automatic REJECT button.

Jason Kidd breathed life into that dead franchise.  He's widely recognized as the best point guard in the league.  Trading him effectively takes the team off of the map.  I'm sure THAT will do wonder for fan support.

I don't get it.  Are the owners STUPID, or what?

 

[WayOutWest]

Wouldn't it be something if all of Dallas's moves were to get Kidd back into a Mavs uniform and the Shaq talk was just a smoke screen.  Kidd and Dampier could be what the Mavs need.  While I think losing Nash could screw up the chemistry I think Kidd brings more to the table on both ends of the court with the exception of outside shooting, but it's not like the Mavs need more shooters.

Meanwhile, Shaq is still vehiemently asking to be traded.  

[Guest_Randy]

Wouldn't it be something if all of Dallas's moves were to get Kidd back into a Mavs uniform and the Shaq talk was just a smoke screen.  Kidd and Dampier could be what the Mavs need.  While I think losing Nash could screw up the chemistry I think Kidd brings more to the table on both ends of the court with the exception of outside shooting, but it's not like the Mavs need more shooters.

Meanwhile, Shaq is still vehiemently asking to be traded.

Shaq and his wife have already put their house on the market.  It's in a gated community in Beverly Hills and he is only asking $7.5 -- that's a little out of my price range but I'm hoping he will come down to $7 so I've got a call into my realtor.  I could use a nice home to visit when I cruise down for some Laker games -- of course, I'm assuming the price of tickets will go down since I can't afford the house AND the current Laker ticket prices.