Kidd in Play?

Let's rewind the tape from January, when we were in Dallas and Jason Kidd was talking free agency, which begins Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. and if he would consider the Knicks among his options: “Yeah, why not? I’m going to look and see. Coach [Mike D'Antoni] is great. I got to know him a little bit this summer [at the Olympics]. D’Antoni is great, he has a great philosophy and I think people enjoy watching that." People would enjoy watching it more if the team had all-star talents like himself. Kidd will be 37 when the season starts and his game is already deteriorating (perimeter defense is a major issue). But Kidd is still one of the best floor generals in the game with uncanny court vision. In D'Antoni's spread offense (as long as he was surrounded with shooters) he could continue to put up great numbers. As one NBA personnel director, who has watched Kidd closely, said to me, "He's still a major asset at his age. Still makes teammates better, but a liability on defense against younger, quicker guards. Still sharp and smart defensively, though." The Knicks need some credibility and leadership and Kidd still can provide both to a team with a young core. Let's also not overlook the fact that LeBron James loves playing with Kidd. And while that may suggest having Kidd on the roster could be considered another lure for LeBron in 2010, if Kidd would consider a mid-level exception (around $5.5 million) to play for the 32-win Knicks, why wouldn't he take the MLE to have a shot at an NBA championship with LeBron (and Shaq) in Cleveland? One possible reason? Kidd's children live in the New York area. The Mavericks apparently offered Kidd a three year deal for about $8 million per, but he turned it down. Mark Cuban is never one to get outbid, and money talks. As for other free agents: Donnie Walsh has indicated that he would be reluctant to spend the MLE (unless, of course, he can remove a contract off the 2010 ledger..meaning Eddy Curry or Jared Jeffries), but for gits and shiggles, let's review some potential targets: * - Andre Miller: A few years younger than Kidd and a bona fide leader, but has the same issues regarding defending against quick guards. His basketball IQ is coveted, so he should be able to get more than the MLE. * - Ramon Sessions: The Bucks let Charlie Villanueva go into unrestricted free agency (they did not give him the necessary qualifying offer to maintain his restricted rights) because they wanted to have some cap flexibility and have the ability to keep Sessions. He may take an offer sheet from the Knicks because of style preference, but, again, the Knicks aren't looking to make any long-term committments at this point. * - Carlos Delfino: The Raptors still maintain his rights as a restricted free agent (he spent the past year in Russia), but Toronto might be open to a sign-and-trade scenario. He would fill a need at the shooting guard spot, but, again, may have to accept a short-term deal. * - Grant Hill: The Knicks would love his leadership and presence, but, again, there are contenders who feel the same and he likely would prefer a chance for a ring before he retires. * - Villanueva: Would be a good fit in the pick-and-roll system, but as an unrestricted free agent, he will command more than the Knicks are likely willing to spend. Now for matters closer to home: David Lee and Nate Robinson will hit the open market on Wednesday. Both will get their fair share of interest and I believe the Knicks will discuss offers with both players. But it sounds like Lee is a greater priority, though that could change if the numbers aren't right. Meanwhile, Paul Millsap, Utah's RFA, sounds like he wants to see what Lee gets and use that as his comparable. Obviously there will be more to discuss on this front in the coming days.