Mavs-Nets trade winner-winner chicken dinner for both teams

Undisclosed sources close to ESPN have reported that Jason Kidd could switch conferences later this week, as the Dallas Mavericks and the New Jersey Nets are talking about a proposed swap of players. The Mavericks would send a package of young point Devin Harris, guard Jerry Stackhouse, center DeSagana Diop, veteran Devean George and little-used Maurice Ager to the Nets for Kidd and forward Malik Allen.
After seeing the Lakers and Suns bolster their rosters for deep playoffs runs by adding solid veteran help inside in Shaquille O'Neal and Pau Gasol, Mavs owner Mark Cuban had to do something to shake up his own team. Last season's playoff collapse against the Golden State Warriors exposed the Mavericks inability to put away playoff series -- and the lack of leadership possessed by league MVP Dirk Nowitzki. The Mavs currently sit in second in the Southwest Conference at 34-17, far off pace from their 67-win total of a year ago.
The 34-year-old Kidd would bring proven leadership to a talented Mavericks team thirsty for postseason success. He is s threat to post a triple double every night, as he has 12 times this year. Kidd would also get a chance to reunite with the team that drafted him out of Cal, where Kidd spent 2+ seasons and was Co-Rookie of the Year in 94-95.
But only taking the Mavs perspective on the trade would be just wrong. The Nets would get some valuable pieces in this trade, too. The Nets would acquire a rising star at the point guard position in 24-year-old Harris, pairing him with stud swingman Richard Jefferson and Mr. 'I like every shot I see' guard Vince Carter. Kidd may not have much left in the tank beyond next season, and getting a cornerstone in the backcourt to build around (plus former "point guard of the future" Marcus Williams) would be a great addition.
ESPN's Marc Stein says that the Nets would also look to buyout Stackhouse, who may resign with Dallas after the 30-day waiting period required by the NBA. Coupled with the expiring contracts of Diop and George at season's end, the Nets could have ample cap space to chase potential free agents Gilbert Arenas, Ron Artest and Corey Maggette this summer. The Nets might also be able to rope some free agent help inside for Stromile Swift and Josh Boone with the $3 million cash the Mavs are sending to the Nets as part of the trade. Head coach Lawrence Frank may be on the way out as well as the team may move into rebuilding mode around Jefferson and Harris.
For these two NBA teams with different mindsets about this season, the trade could work out in both teams' favor. The Mavs could get the extra oomph they need to get back to the Finals, while the Nets could put another piece in place for a big season next fall. As the Boston Celtics have shown, teams may only be one or two players away from turning their fortunes around.