Would that make them the favorites in the West?
Tons of people are asking why the Mavs don't just use a KVH contract to make Devean a moot point. Some speculate that Cuban doesn't want to venture deep into luxury tax land by signing KVH to a one year expiring contract that would be very attractive to teams out there, like the Nets. Others think that Cuban is saving KVH for another deal.
The Mavs should be able to figure out the Devean problem and get Kidd for pretty much the same price. The Nets have been reported as to inquiring about Mike Millers availability in exchange for Bostjan Nachbar and Jamaal Magloire. That would indicate they are getting rid of Vince Carter and Vince was being offered for Jermaine O'Neal. The concern with JO is his contract and injury situation. So it would make sense for the Nets to aquire JO then trade him to the Mavs for KVH expiring contract. The Mavs would be DEEEEEEP into luxury tax land but they are starting to get the "now or never" feeling. Seems like the Suns and Mavs have their minds set on winning THIS year. They are mortgaging their futures for a shot at a title NOW, next year at the latest. Makes sense for the Suns since Nash only has a year or two left and it doesn't look like the Spurs are going anywhere since their core is young enough, it's only their role players that are really old. Nash is the engine that makes the Suns go and he's over 100K miles, Spurs still have their solid engine in TD who is hovering around 50-60K miles and should still produce for another 40-50K miles aka 2-4 years.
A lineup of Kidd, Terry, Howard, Dirk and JO could match up well against the Suns and Spurs. A lineup of Kidd, Howard, Dirk, JO and Dampier could matchup well against the Lakers, Suns and Jazz. They would be very tough if Kidd and JO were to hold up for the playoffs. Assuming the Mavs could even get JO or be willing to spend UBER dollars for a great shot at a title.
