With the New York Daily News reporting today that Dallas point guard and soon-to-be unrestricted free agent Jason Kidd plans to meet with the New York when the NBA's summer free-agency opens Wednesday morning in the East, Jazz fans might want to hold their breath.

That's because the Jazz own New York's first-round draft choice in 2010.

If the Knicks again are terrible, it could be a lottery pick - perhaps even No. 1 overall.

But if the Knicks were to sign Kidd - who could also re-sign with Dallas, or perhaps head to Portland - and push Chris Duhon to the bench, they might even make the playoffs after next season.

And if that were the case, the pick loses a lot of its luster.

For now, though, it shines bright.

Blogged Newsday Knicks beat writer Alan Hahn earlier this week: "Of course (Knicks basketball boss Donnie) Walsh made it crystal clear the focus (=or New York) remains 2010 and for Knicks fans, that valuable free agency period is only a few months after what could be another season without a playoff berth. It could be a very empty May and June next year, especially without a first-round pick …

"The Jazz, who own the rights to that unprotected pick, are the happiest of all to hear that the Knicks likely won't be making any aggressive moves this summer to jump into the playoff conversation in the ever-improving East. Perhaps John Wall's representation should begin now putting out hints that they have no interest in playing in SLC.''

Wall, a likely one-and-done point guard at Kentucky next season, is the projected No. 1 overall in next year's draft.

And as long as Deron Williams is in Utah, he need not worry about joining the Jazz.

There's a kicker, though, to the Knicks situation.

It comes courtesy of Hahn's blog: "But here's the situation to watch closely: If LeBron (James) signs an extension with Cleveland this summer, I think you will see the Knicks drop the (save for 2010) plan and get aggressive. That doesn't mean they will give up any cap room for next summer, but they might be more inclined to spend some of it in a trade or with the mid-level exception.''

He's not kidding, either.

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