Jason Kidd Trade to the Dallas Mavericks Reached in Principle

You might not actually hear about it anywhere on television this afternoon, since ESPN is reporting it, because of this Clement guy talking politics to some people, but Marc Stein is saying that the Dallas Mavericks and New Jersey Nets have reached a deal in principle that will send Jason Kidd Western-bound to a contender, and one that will seemingly make both parties happy (well, the Mavericks for the foreseeable future anyway).

Although sources say that the teams are still sorting out final details, this deal was described as "imminent" by multiple sources close to the process after negotiations moved to an advanced stage Tuesday night. The deal -- salvaged from talks on a three-way trade with Portland that developed and fizzled quickly two weeks ago -- has Dallas sending 24-year-old point guard Devin Harris, veteran swingman Jerry Stackhouse, the expiring contracts of center DeSagana Diop and swingman Devean George and guard Maurice Ager to New Jersey for Kidd and forward Malik Allen. Sources say Dallas will also add the league-maximum $3 million in cash and send its first-round draft pick this June as well as a first-rounder in 2010.

But wait! We're not done! Stein also has sources in his ear that report that the Nets will immediately buy out Stackhouse's contract, making him a free agent.

Hold on! There's more! It turns out there is also a deal in the mix to send Antoine Wright to Dallas for the Mavericks second round pick in 2008. So, to recap, Dallas gets aging, wily, etc., triple-double machine point guard and makes a run at the Finals now. New Jersey on the other hand, somehow escapes salary cap purgatory and manages to get rid of their superstar without really making him angry or causing any backlash from his agent.