"In this week's section geared exclusively towards the latest rumors floating around the NBA …

Kidd Staying Put: An informed source has told HOOPSWORLD that Jason Kidd intends to return to the Dallas Mavericks for a three-year, $24 million contract.

Kidd has indicated to the Mavericks and New York Knicks that he'll mull over their respective offers over the weekend. The Knicks are said to be offering Jason a guaranteed three years at the Mid-Level Exception (MLE) which works out to be approximately $18.1 million.

Barring a surprising change of events, Kidd is expected to notify the Dallas on Monday that he'll take their offer which would start at approximately $7.25 million for the upcoming season.

Dallas has also reached an agreement in principal with center Marcin Gortat for a five-year MLE deal (~$32.3 million).

Because Marcin is a restricted free agent, the Orlando Magic will have the opportunity to match. The Mavericks are counting on Orlando passing on the lucrative offer for a player who would come off the bench behind Dwight Howard.

Sources indicate the Magic may very well decide to match the Mavs offer despite Gortat's desire for a new home. Despite the success Orlando had in the playoffs, a source close to Marcin indicates he craves the opportunity to start and play major minutes.

When pitching Gortat, the Mavericks promised the Polish center a major role. Should the Magic pass, word is Erick Dampier would immediately go on the trading block.

Dampier's final year is not guaranteed based on incentives. Functionally he has a $12.1 million expiring contract. Equally the Mavericks continue to shop Jerry Stackhouse whose $7.2 million contract has just $2 million guaranteed.

With $19.3 million in contracts to send out, Dallas would be in a good position to land an impact player needing a new home. That list might include players like Amar'e Stoudemire, Rip Hamilton, Jason Richardson or Carlos Boozer.

Of course Gortat probably wouldn't be happy if pushed to the bench by Stoudemire or Boozer but by then he'd have signed his contract (tough business as it is).

Kidd's flirtation with New York stems from a belief that he could help draw LeBron James as a free agent in 2010.

The Mavericks, having given up Devin Harris to acquire Kidd from the New Jersey Nets, simply can't afford to let their veteran point guard go.

Expect the decision to be announced after the July 4th weekend."