Jason Kidd Intrigued By Re-Joining Nets; Would Also Consider Teaming Up With Lin, Knicks
NEW YORK (WFAN) - Nets fans are understandably excited about the franchise's impending move to Brooklyn.
A new city, a new arena, new uniforms and a brand new identity.
And what could make Nets fans even more excited about next season? How about a reunion with arguably the greatest player in franchise history?
It's certainly not out of the question.
Free-agent point guard and future Hall of Famer Jason Kidd told reporters recently that while he's open to re-signing with the Mavericks, he could also see a scenario in which he joins forces with current Nets superstar Deron Williams.
The main priority for Brooklyn, of course, is to re-sign Williams, who will likely opt-out of the final year of his contract this summer. Kidd, a 10-time NBA All-Star, said that he would only re-emerge with the Nets if Williams decided to return.
"[Williams] is the key because my days of playing 38 minutes are over," Kidd told reporters."If it's the backup role to give him time to rest, [that's OK]. Also being able to play alongside a guy like that, we can play off of each other and be successful. It's something we can look at if it gets done."
The five-time NBA assists leader added that he believes that Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov has the ability to revitalize the organization and return it to its winning ways.
"I think they have an owner that wants to win," Kidd said. "He has the money. I think being able to go into Brooklyn [and] compete — if they re-sign Deron [Williams] and get other pieces — they can compete."
Kidd didn't limit his Tri-State interest to just the Nets, however. He also seemed intrigued by collaborating with Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin next season at Madison Square Garden.
"That would be a lot of fun, to be able to help a young player like that," Kidd told reporters in reference to Lin. "He has all the tools. We saw that before he got hurt. To help him understand it's a long season, to pace yourself, and that he's got to work extremely hard. Also, to share the things that help me be successful and help him be a better player."
Kidd was the centerpiece of the greatest stretch of success in Nets history. The five-time All-NBA First Team selection ran the team's offense in East Rutherford from 2001 to 2008, leading the team to back-to-back Eastern Conference Championships in 2002 and 2003.
Nets fans, how much would a Jason Kidd reunion excite you? And Knicks fans, do you want the future Hall of Famer playing at the Garden next season? Sound off with your thoughts and comments below...
