Devean George, You are Delusional

There was some confusion last night, so let's clear up what allowed Devean George to block the Jason Kidd trade: George is on a one-year deal, and Dallas has his Bird rights, which means the Mavericks would not be limited by the salary cap in terms of resigning him this summer. If George is traded midseason, Dallas nor New Jersey would have his Bird rights, and George would just be an unrestricted free agent. Thus, he can decline a trade. (Vlad Radmanovic was in a similar situation a few years ago; he could have blocked his trade to the Clippers, but did not. Despite no one having his Bird rights, he got the full midlevel from the Lakers.)

For Devean's Bird rights to matter, he'd need to be a good player. He is making $2 million this year. I think that is a good sign his skills are not in terrible demand around the league. With no Bird rights, any team over the cap can still sign George to either a portion of the midlevel exception (up to about $6 million) or the bi-annual veteran's exception (less than $2 million). Very few teams used their entire midlevel last summer. Even Isiah Thomas didn't use his midlevel! So basically, just about any team who wanted George this summer could pay him a starting salary between $2-6 million.

Devean George will not be getting offers in excess of $6 million a year. The middle of the free agent pack is light this year; I'd expect very few teams to dole out midlevels fast and easy (especially considering the big FA classes of 2009 and 2010). As the Dallas Morning News' Eddie Sefko mentions, this whole debacle could hurt George's earning power in the long run. With his Bird rights intact, that helps only in a) getting an unrestricted offer from Dallas, or b) working out a sign-and-trade with Dallas. Something tells me Donnie Nelson isn't going to rush the get Devean in his preferred locale...

Yes, George has the right to block this thing. And yes, it's Mark Bartelstein's responsibility to do what's best for Devean. But their argument that the trade hurts George in free agency is woefully misguided, and I'd expect them to realize that sometime this weekend.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

2-14-2008 @ 11:27AM

Ronny said...

We have the team we need. Avery Johnson is the problem. Fire him and get a new coach.

2-14-2008 @ 11:42AM

theomnivore said...

I think he just means that by playing on a contender(Dallas), he will look better to prospective teams than he would playing crap team (Jersey). He has a job because he won with the Lakers, eventhough he didn't contribute substantially to those teams. He's ruining the NBA for everyone else, but he might have a point. For a guy making "only" $2 million a year, small bumps (in NBA terms) in a future contract have a huge affect on his wealth.

2-14-2008 @ 12:22PM

henryclemente said...

And this makes even less sense upon recollection of his previous requests to BE TRADED! WTF?

2-14-2008 @ 8:44PM

Steven Rossellini said...

This is a brilliant move by Mark Bartelstein, Devean George's agent. Devean's playing time and ultimate marketability are shrinking. Dallas desperately wants Jason Kidd and New Jersey can certainly live without Devean. So, what's Bartelstein looking for in this? Simple, really; a buyout for several million dollars and immediate free agency.

The Mavs get Kidd; New Jersey immediately loses George's contract; and Devean George and Mark Bartelstein get an extra golden parachute.

2-14-2008 @ 1:23PM

twittybbird said...

Avery Johnson is not the problem idiot. He's a good coach.

2-14-2008 @ 2:20PM

BigMaverick said...

Mavericks don't need a starting point guard. They do need a backup point guard. It would be cheaper to trade for someone like Sam Cassel instead.

2-14-2008 @ 7:17PM

DetroitBasketball said...

First off, Avery is not the problem, at all!
Though, I am a Pistons fan till the end, I realize that this guy knows his stuff. He's a great coach, they are just struggling right now. So, trade talk is the right move. I actually agree with BigMaverick, Cassel wouldn't be a bad move.

And, i'm not a big fan of Stackhouse leaving. Especially not for the Nets.

DETROIT BASKETBALL ALL DAY!!!!
10 GAMES.. :)

2-14-2008 @ 4:38PM

bbnut said...

Did Dallas fans see the assult Kidd put on there team and I know Harris wasen't playing but no one else on NJ ever plays. Do you realize how much better Dallas is with Kidd. Just remember if you don't win now while Dirk is in his prime and healthy(Big Guys Don't last to long) waiting for Harris to be that leader could be way to late. Its easier to replace Harris with Kidd now then to have Harris with Old Dirk later

2-21-2008 @ 3:36PM

BOstonRule said...

Cuban is the Problem - He should fire himself and let the players and coach do they're job.

As for Kidd and Dirk - I dont see any combination with these 2 players, Dirk is not as strong as a Finisher- Yeah, he's is a one of a hell shooter. And for Kidd, This guy is getting old, and if he don't have any finisher on the floor, He's the same as Devean. Plus Kidd's shooting percentage is awful.

It's going to be the same history as with Nash and Novitsky. Im sure - they still won't get any Championship Ring - because BOSTON Rules!!!!

Dallas just dont have the right chemistry with their roosters.

---- all these preparation on the west just to much up with the big 3 of Boston!!!