J-Kidd Back To Mavs - But The Devil's In One Detail

   Jason Kidd is staying with the Mavs. We knew that.

   Jason Kidd is getting $8-to-$9 mil a year from the Mavs. We knew that.

   Jason Kidd is getting a three-year deal from the Mavs. We knew that.

   Sources tell ESPN.com’s Marc Stein that the third year of the verbally-agreed-to pact will be full guaranteed?

   We didn’t know that.

   *It’s a matter of some debate how this impacts Dallas’ cap flexibility in the future. I would argue that the fully-guaranteed third year is a negotiating win for the 36-year-old Kidd; the Mavs are prepared to argue that Kidd’s ability as a recruiter will be an asset – in the Summer of 2010, but also right now.

   *Cuban says this is "hopefully the first of several deals to come in the next couple weeks." “Hope’’ is putting it too lightly. On Wednesday, the Mavs will formalize the Kidd deal, will hopefully formalize the Marcin Gortat deal, will have just over a month to use The Stack Chip and will be able to pick through some underpriced FA leftovers with the BAE. These aren’t “hope-for’s’’; these are “must-do’s.’’

   *It’s hard to avoid thinking that Kidd played this game pretty well. … and played the Knicks against the Mavs to get a few million more guaranteed bucks. On the other hand, maybe Dallas should be pleased that it sealed this deal – and retained an asset that really wasn’t replaceable – without Kidd ever getting around to serious flirting with LA, Cleveland or Portland.

   *Kidd is viewed as important enough to the Mavs that Cuban remained in touch with Kidd throughout the week and reportedly hosted the player at his home on Friday.

   *More discussion from fans like you on what it all means here.

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