The feeling among NBA executives that the Mavericks are the most likely winners in the Jason Kidd trade sweepstakes is even stronger now, according to an ESPN.com report.

Reason: within 24 hours of Kidd saying that it's time for him and the Nets "all to move on" in separate directions, New Jersey and Dallas engaged in advanced trade discussions with Portland on a three-way deal that would land Kidd back with the team that drafted him.

Such a trade would involve at least a dozen players, cash, and future draft picks. In a breakdown of the principles, Portland would receive the Mavericks' Devin Harris and possibly Brandon Bass; New Jersey would obtain draft and financial considerations, Dallas' Jerry Stackhouse, and three prospects from Portland (Travis Outlaw, Channing Frye and Jarrett Jack); the Mavericks would land Kidd.