ESPN is reporting that the mega deal between New Jersey and Toronto involving Vince Carter and Alonzo Mourning is now official having been approved by the league, Nets GM Rod Thorn announced Friday.

The deal will see Mourning, Aaron Williams and Eric Williams become Raptors while Carter returns to the United States as a member of the Nets.  Toronto also receives two first round picks as part of the deal.

According to ESPN Jason Kidd was briefed about the potential deal and he gave his blessing.

Many believe the reason Toronto pulled the trigger on this deal is for the two first round picks they will receive. One of the draft picks is Denver's first rounder in 2005, which is a top-three protected selection. The other, is Philadelphia's first round pick, which is top-eight protected in the 2005 lottery and top-five protected in the 2006 lottery.

The trade reflects the most serious indication yet that the Nets want to keep Jason Kidd and are willing to build a championship contender around him. After the offseason trades of Kenyon Martin and Kerry Kittles, Kidd expressed his displeasure with the direction the Nets were taking. However, with Carter on board, the Nets have a shot at moving back into contention.

"Anytime you lose a guy like Vince, it's a big blow," Toronto forward Donyell Marshall said. "He was to Canada what Michael Jordan was to the Bulls."

"Obviously, they felt that was the best deal on the table for us," said Marshall, who spoke to Carter at his hotel room in Indianapolis. "We're going to miss Vince as a player and as a person. We wish him the best."

A backcourt of Kidd, Carter and Richard Jefferson is a highlight reel waiting to happen.