Devean George had a television camera trained on him as he entered U.S. Airways on Thursday night for the Dallas Mavericks' game against the Phoenix Suns. It was a surreal scene for George, who is used to blending into the background, on and off the court.

"I never thought I'd be in the position to throw the league in a frenzy," George said. Laughing ruefully, he added, "I didn't know I'd have that power."

George's decision to exercise an obscure clause in his contract that nixed a blockbuster trade Wednesday, thrusting him into the center of a maelstrom involving two teams, seven other players and management and fans. George was included in a deal that would have sent Nets point guard Jason Kidd to Dallas.

But because George signed a one-year deal last summer, league rules stipulate that he must forfeit his Larry Bird rights if he is traded this season. That could cost George millions of dollars over the course of his next contract.