The unexpectedness of the NBA Free Agency continues. Yesterday Steve Nash spurned the New York Knicks to join the Los Angeles Lakers in a sign-and-trade deal with the Phoenix Suns. Today Jason Kidd signed a deal to play for the New York Knicks after it was said that he would be returning to stay with the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks were reportedly offering Kidd a 3 year deal worth $9 million. The Knicks will be giving Kidd a similar deal.
After missing out on Nash, the Knicks point guard situation was looking weak. At first it looked as if the Knicks would set their sights on Raymond Felton, who had played well for them a year ago before being traded in a deal for Carmelo Anthony. However, they signed Kidd and are now looking to bring back Jeremy Lin. Lin accepted the offer sheet to sign with the Rockets but the Knicks own his Bird Rights so they have a chance to match that offer and bring back Lin. If Lin returns, Kidd would become his mentor and hopefully turn him into a dominant point guard.
Jason Kidd brings experience as well as leadership to the Knicks. He also brings a championship winning attitude to the team. In 2011 Kidd, along with teammate Tyson Chandler, helped the Dallas Mavericks win the NBA title against the Miami Heat. Now Kidd and Chandler are reunited in New York. Let’s not forget that Kidd led the New Jersey Nets to 2 NBA finals in a row. The Knicks are hoping that Kidd can help bring them the same success.
Anthony Rivera: PureSportsNY