But Kidd is in his 14^th NBA season. This is the fourth time he has changed uniforms. Most recently, he had a group in New Jersey that had Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson as well as some able role players. In 2002 and 2003 he was able to lead the Nets to the NBA Finals. Yet the accomplishment was somewhat hollow because the East field the Nets had to wade through was flimsy, and the Nets were never a serious threat to beat the West representative — the Lakers in ’02, the Spurs in ’03.

Also, Jason Kidd the distraction sometimes became more prominent than Jason Kidd the player.

It was often difficult to ignore the inordinate amount of negative publicity that he generated whenever he was the least bit displeased. He has become the league leader in crafty criticisms, always managing to take shots at the front office or a coach or teammates while appearing even-tempered and professional, and trade rumors — which he may or may not have been involved in planting — circulated constantly.

And then there were the off-the-court news items. He pleaded guilty to a domestic abuse charge in 2001, and was involved in a messy divorce in 2007 that also contained claims of domestic abuse.

Interactive NBA’s midseason report Breaking down every team midway through the season. NBCSports.com contributor

Without Kidd, the Mavericks had a shot at battling Utah for the honor of being the fourth-best team in the Western Conference, behind the Spurs, Lakers and Suns. Now they have a much better opportunity to be the fourth-best team in the Western Conference.

Obviously, blockbuster fever has gripped the West. First the Lakers heisted Pau Gasol from Memphis. Then the Suns acquired Shaquille O’Neal from Miami. (Kyle Korver to Utah wasn’t a blockbuster, but it definitely helped.) And now Kidd goes to Dallas. Only a few short days ago, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was scoffing at the prospect of a Kidd deal, saying the numbers just didn’t add up. He must have hired a new accountant.

From a basketball standpoint, Kidd is a major addition, even though he will turn 35 next month and has a lot of mileage on his wheels. Despite the fact that he is on target to establish a career low in field-goal percentage (currently .366), he’ll get everybody in Mavericks Nation excited and fantasizing about a championship parade.

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