With the New Jersey Nets poised to complete a blockbuster deal to send Jason Kidd back to Dallas on Wednesday night, Mavericks reserve forward Devean George has unexpectedly exercised his right to block the trade, according to NBA front-office sources. Sources close to the situation told ESPN.com that the teams verbally agreed to the deal earlier Wednesday and were preparing to submit the trade for league approval when George informed the Mavericks that he wouldn't consent to being included in the deal, which is his right based on a rare provision in his one-year contract.
Boston's Allen named All-Star replacement for Washington's Butler
Updated: February 13, 2008, 9:38 PM ET
NEW YORK -- Ray Allen was added to the Eastern Conference All-Star roster by commissioner David Stern on Wednesday, replacing injured Washington forward Caron Butler.
Allen's eighth All-Star selection means the NBA-leading Boston Celtics will again have two players in Sunday's game in New Orleans. Kevin Garnett was the top vote-getter in fan balloting, but had to pull out because of an abdominal strain.
Celtics forward Paul Pierce is going as a reserve. The East will be coached by Boston's Doc Rivers.
Butler has a left hip flexor. He would have been playing in his second straight All-Star game.