Dallas Reacquired Jason Kidd for Harris, Picks and Supporting Players
The February 19, 2008 agreement sent Jason Kidd, Malik Allen and Antoine Wright from New Jersey to Dallas. The Nets took back Devin Harris, DeSagana Diop, Trenton Hassell, Maurice Ager, the contract rights associated with Keith Van Horn, first-round picks in 2008 and 2010 and cash. The Mavericks’ dated transaction ledger confirms the two first-rounders, later tied to No. 21 Ryan Anderson and No. 27 Jordan Crawford. A contemporaneous Nets account also identifies Van Horn’s salary-matching role and the cash. Kidd had started his NBA career with Dallas, so this was a reunion for a veteran point guard already established as one of the league’s best distributors. New Jersey was pursuing younger guard production and two firsts, not an equivalent old-star replacement.
Kidd Eventually Directed the Mavericks’ Title Offense
Kidd returned to a Dallas club built around Dirk Nowitzki, taking responsibility for transition passing and directing the offense while providing perimeter shooting and guard defense. His scoring did not match the franchise’s leading stars, but he continued to log substantial starter minutes and assists over several seasons. His work on the 2010-11 Mavericks championship team was the defining long-term basketball achievement for Dallas from this transaction, three years after the trade was consummated. The Mavericks’ B grade can be justified by an unusually experienced floor general who actually remained through a championship, with Allen and Wright also available as role players. Dallas surrendered real future value, however, and the original deal should not be framed as a cheap acquisition for an unproductive reserve.
Harris Became an All-Star While the Nets Rebuilt
Harris immediately assumed a major New Jersey backcourt role. In 2008-09 he averaged 21.3 points and 6.9 assists and earned an All-Star selection, giving the franchise an identifiable young scorer after Kidd’s departure. Diop and the other acquired players supplied shorter rotation or salary-matching roles, while the first-round choices gave New Jersey trade and draft options. The 2008 pick was associated with Ryan Anderson, a legitimate future NBA shooter, although later player careers should be assigned to the correct receiving team. The Nets’ B grade reflects Harris’s All-Star year and the asset package, while Dallas’s equal B recognizes Kidd’s later title contribution. Both teams got real and distinguishable returns across different timelines.
Final Verdict
Even Trade by the inherited B/B grades. Dallas obtained Jason Kidd, who became a starting guard on its 2011 championship team, plus Malik Allen and Antoine Wright. New Jersey got 2009 All-Star Devin Harris, two first-round picks and other assets. The returns developed differently but both had lasting value.