It's the luxury tax that I think would not make this trade feasible if we're still able to use what's left of the TE, but for Kidd I see the Nets asking for Rafer, Battier, Head and maybe a #1 or a couple of 2nd rounders. Kidd's not playing to the dollar levels of what his next 3 years of salary would be anyway. Kinda' reminds me of JHo's sick salary earlier in his career when he put up very average nos. and was among the first group of players to drive salaries up by maxing out (and don't get me wrong, I like Juwon now that he's not being ridiculously overpaid) Remember it was (Joyseey) who punked us for 3 first rounders for that head case EG (who had already gotten into 2 fist fights with members of his OWN team). The trade's probably speculation, but when has Kidd ever played with a truly dominate center anway?
I just don't see it happening. Who would we give up that would be of interest to NJ???? They could get more from other teams I'd imagine. And we aren't deep enough to trade away solid young role players like Head along with other players - probably Jho and Alston. It would leave us soft. It would be an amazing addition though. Imagine the passing with both T-mac and Kidd being able to find Yao. That would be sick.
I think a few posters here hit it on the spot. I would not doubt the Rocket's ability to make this deal happen. They've gutted teams in the past in order to bring in a superstar. This organization has a knack for the dramatic and while it would leave our bench somewhat depleted, it would create an even greater buzz in the city. As per the realgm trade checker the Rockets could give up a package of Juwan Howard, Rafer Alston, Sura's contract, Head, and Novak or Padgett. Hypothetically, if this were to happen I'd prefer that they not give up Head but I don't see NJ not asking for him in the deal. If NJ would take that package and a future pick for Kidd and Hassan Adams I'd do it. Then Les would probably have to venture into luxury tax lane if we're to use the TE or a 2nd round pick to pick up a guy like Melvin Ely to fill out the F/C rotation. They could also probably sign another C for the league minimum for size and fouls ala Charles Jones back in the day (ha!) That would leave the Rockets with a roster of: PG - Jason Kidd/Hassan Adams/V-Span SG - Tracy McGrady/Kirk Snyder/V-Span SF - Shane Battier/Bonzi Wells/Scott Padgett PF - Chuck Hayes/Melvin Ely/Scott Padgett C - Yao Ming/Dikembe Mutumbo/Ely I see it this way. This would give the Rockets a window the size of Jason Kidd's contract to win a championship. As long as McGrady doesn't suffer any MAJOR back issues I think that's VERY possible. Also, we would have Kidd, McGrady, Ming, and Battier under contract for the next 2-4 years. These are the big pieces. You also still have V-Span and the ability to sign Snyder/Hayes to similar low-budget deals. Mutumbo is retiring after this year, Wells is off the books, which would allow them to sign a rotation player for the MLE. Add on the #1 pick from next year's draft and you fill out the rotation. This working is contingent on the GM's ability to keep and find young talent at a low cost IE: Snyder, Hayes, possibly Adams/Ely. All in all it's something fun to think about. But I wouldn't bet against them making such a dramatic move.
If we are just adding defensive players, lets pick up Kirelenko from Utah, he is having issues with coach sloan and not playing. He is injury prone and a defensive monster, thus he will fit right in. Seriously though our defense would be other worldly if he were on it, he could play the 4 easily.
