New Jersey Nets guard Jason Kidd pauses during NBA basketball action against the Miami Heat in Miami, Florida, Feb. 1, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters File Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Feb. 15 -- NBA star Jason Kidd appeared headed to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, until Devean George's contract got in the way.

    George was supposed to be among the players headed to New Jersey, but he blocked it by not wanting to give up his "early Bird rights," a provision earned by being in his second year and on his second contract with the Mavericks.

    Under the NBA's collective bargaining agreement, a player who has "early Bird rights" at the end of a contract - like George has this year - has veto power over a trade because he'd lose those rights if dealt.

    By keeping them, Dallas could exceed the salary cap to re-sign him.

    "We don't feel like it makes sense at this time. He's starting right now and things are going pretty good," his agent, Mark Bartelstein said.

    It was not immediately clear whether this was just a snag or a deal-breaker.

    Kidd was supposed to be the centerpiece of a deal that reportedly was to send George, emerging point guard Devin Harris, veteran Jerry Stackhouse and reserves DeSagana Diop and Maurice Ager to the Nets, with forward Malik Allen going from New Jersey to the Mavericks.

    But in Dallas, George started in the 96-76 win against the Portland Trail Blazers and Diop came off the bench, indications a deal may not be imminent. Harris, Stackhouse and Ager were inactive, but that's because Harris and Stackhouse are hurt and Ager is in the NBDL.

    A move for Kidd is an indication the Mavericks are in a win-now mode. He is 10 years older than Harris, but also far more ready to lead a team on a title hunt. Dallas has been close in recent years, losing in the NBA finals in 2006.

    (Source: Shanghai Daily/Agencies)