Mark Cuban is really upset with Jason Kidd over the point guard’s decision to back out of a deal with Dallas in favor of signing with the Knicks.
“I was more than upset. I thought he was coming. I was pissed,” Cuban said on “The Ben & Skin Show,” according to ESPN Dallas. “J-Kidd is a big boy; he can do whatever he wants. But you don’t change your mind like that. That was … yeah. I’m sure I’ll get over it at some point, but as of now, I wouldn’t put J-Kidd’s number in the rafters.
“It hurt my feelings, period, because I felt that we had developed a relationship, and I thought that he was committed to the organization. It sure seemed that he was. I mean, J-Kidd was active in going out there and talking to Deron Williams the whole time. I guess it was more shocking and surprising than anything else.”
Kidd shocked most people when he decided to sign with the Knicks over the Mavs. His choice was part of what seemed like a disappointing offseason for the Mavs. They freed cap space after winning the title in 2011 with the hope of signing Deron Williams and Dwight Howard this summer. Of course, Howard waived his right to become a free agent, and Williams chose to remain with the Nets. Then out of nowhere, Kidd left for the Knicks.
Even though he’s upset, Cuban says he’s actually happy that Deron Williams chose the Nets.
“But in hindsight, I don’t know if I would have been happy. I think we’re in better position now than we would have been if we had gotten him,” said Cuban.
The Mavs filled the voids with a trade for Darren Collison, and by signing Elton Brand, Chris Kaman, and O.J. Mayo. Their underrated moves have paid off in the past, so maybe we’ll see the same thing again. And if Dwight Howard doesn’t like the way his season goes with the Lakers, he could always sign with the Mavs next year.
Since Cuban isn’t planning to retire Kidd’s number, maybe he can give the honor to another former Dallas player instead.
