After the LA Lakers acquired Pau Gasol from Memphis Grizzlies, and Shaquille O’neal going to the Phoenix Suns, the third blockbuster deal of the month involving Dallas Mavericks and New Jersey Nets was held by the Mav’s Devean George. A trade that could have sent future Hall of Famer Jason Kidd to the Mavericks.

The deal consists of Kidd going to Dallas together with Malik Allen for Devin Harris, Jerry Stackhouse, DeSagana Diop, Maurice Ager, Devean George, $3 million and two first-round picks. A deal that could have changed the phase of the Mavs contending for the championship.

George was fighting for his free-agent rights, which will happen at the end of his contract this year, that’s why he want to hold the trade for a moment. According to league rules, players on a one-year contract (but who spent the previous season with the same team and are thus eligible for Early Bird free-agent rights at the end of the contract) cannot be traded without their consent. The free-agent rights could have been nullified if he had agreed with the trade. Whatever happens, Kidd would still be traded to the Mavs. The staff are trying to finish the deal to meet the trade deadlines of the league.

The Western Conference are now pretty serious for grabbing a playoffs spot. The top 8 teams in the west are tight with at least 30 wins each. The 2008 NBA playoffs is gonna be fun to watch.