There are any number of reasons why, despite my best efforts, I just don’t like the NBA. The play, often nights, is sloppy and unmotivated. The season is entirely too long. The playoffs have too many days between games particularly in the early rounds. But no reason for my NBA apathy is more clear than my disdain for the way franchises bow to the whim of their player. Vince Carter whined about wanting to be traded. He got it. Tracy McGrady wanted out of Orlando. He got it. Pau Gasol was a complete malcontent in Memphis and the Grizzlies gave him away for Kwame Brown and a bag of Fritos. Add Jason Kidd to the list of the NBA’s most talented whiners. After complaining for what feels like six years about how badly he wanted out of New Jersey, Dallas stepped up and made an offer, sending half of their bench to New Jersey in exchange for Kidd, who was originally drafted by the Mavericks before heading off to Jersey.

Not so fast, George hasn’t agreed to be included in the deal and has, for the moment, delayed it. While I don’t think anything can stop this trade from happening, I think that NBA franchises need to stand firm on trading unhappy stars. While you don’t want a toxic personality in your locker room but chances are, with a player of Kidd’s ability, you aren’t likely to get value. GMs and owners need to send a clear message to players that they will abide by the terms of their contract or they can sit out until that contract expires. Instead the message they’re sending is that they’re spineless and easily manipulated and if the players stomps his feet loud enough and long enough he’ll get what he wants.

Still wonder why the majority of the country doesn’t care about professional basketball?

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