Could disenchanted Kidd actually be happy as a Bull?
Trading for the player who has had more bad things to say publicly about Scott Skiles than anyone else in the NBA may not sound like a match made in heaven.
But the Bulls should consider making a run at unhappy Nets point guard Jason Kidd, who played for Skiles in Phoenix. The Bulls have been at their best lately when play-making point guard Chris Duhon is on the floor in place of Kirk Hinrich.
So why not pursue the best playmaker in the Eastern Conference not named LeBron James? It makes sense if you believe the current Bulls aren't equipped to make a serious run at the NBA Finals.
Kidd has made headlines in Metropolitan New Jersey this week. He skipped the Nets' 100-93 home loss to the Knicks on Wednesday with a migraine, but several news sources claimed Kidd's absence was contrived to protest New Jersey's disinterest in a contract extension and to try to force a trade.
Kidd went on the radio Thursday and strongly denied there was any ulterior motive to his absence. Whether the sit-down strike theory is true or not, it's probably time for the Nets to make a change.
New Jersey considered moving Kidd last year at the trade deadline and doesn't appear to be a title contender with the group it has, so it makes sense to get something in return for the 14-year veteran.
One potential deal with matching salaries would have the Bulls sending Hinrich and Ben Wallace to New Jersey for Kidd and center Jason Collins.
This could work for the Nets because it adds a veteran presence to their group of young big men and replaces Kidd with a much-younger player who comes with cost-certainty since he's signed through 2012. The Nets may not be doing anything soon, though, since general manager Ed Stefanski just left to join the 76ers.
If Hinrich's miserable shooting slump this season is stricken from the record, he's been a very good NBA player for four years. So the Bulls will be careful not to make a knee-jerk reaction to their slow start.
The Bulls could use a distributor, though, which is not Hinrich's specialty, and also a veteran floor leader. Wallace brought a championship ring with him to the Bulls, but he's not one to take charge vocally in the heat of battle.
Imagine the open shots that could result from Kidd getting the ball to Ben Gordon, Luol Deng and Andres Nocioni, not to mention the benefits of Kidd throwing alley-oops to Tyrus Thomas. If the Bulls made such a trade, it's almost as if they'd be adding the No. 4 overall draft pick in return, because they are getting nothing from Thomas these days.
Kidd will turn 35 in March, but it could be argued that he's never been better. Still not much of a shooter, Kidd is averaging 10.4 assists and 8.7 rebounds, which are among the highest numbers of his career. He averaged a triple-double in last year's playoffs.
Even if the Bulls gave Kidd the one-year extension he's looking for in the $20-million range, they might be able to clear some cap room in 2010, which is when Chicago native Dwyane Wade has the option of becoming an unrestricted free agent. It's a long shot, but worth considering.
When Skiles first took over the Bulls, Kidd went out of his way a few times to criticize his former boss with the Suns. Kidd blamed Skiles for the trade that sent him to New Jersey. Skiles insists he had nothing to do with it and Suns management swore the deal had more to do with Kidd's trouble with the law than trouble with the coach.
This feud is very resolvable. If Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson can forgive and forget, why not Kidd and Skiles?
Today's tipoff
Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills, 6 p.m.
TV: Comcast SportsNet
Radio: WMVP 1000-AM
Update: The Pistons (13-5) are starting to pull away in the Central Division, having won five straight by an average margin of 22 points. Detroit's five starters are all averaging between 11 and 16.5 points, while PF Jason Maxiell (9.0 ppg) and SF Jarvis Hayes (8.5 ppg) have been productive off the bench.
Fast facts: The Bulls have won four of the last five regular-season meetings with Detroit and are 4-5 at the Palace, including playoffs, since 2004-05. ... The Bulls beat the Pistons 97-93 at the United Center on Nov. 8, despite 36 points from Rasheed Wallace.
Next: Boston Celtics on Saturday at the United Center, 7:30 p.m.
-- Mike McGraw