The Nets’ possible trade of Jason Kidd has made almost as much news as Britney Spears’ self-inflicted haircut. But figure Kidd stays around longer than Britney’s latest look.
Vince Carter is another matter.
While several NBA execs put a damper on the possibility of Kidd moving anywhere by tomorrow’s 3 p.m. deadline – one labeled a potential deal as “highly doubtful” – other league sources claimed new talks were initiated regarding Carter, despite his ability to opt out of his contract at season’s end.
One exec said there was a 50-50 chance of a trade.
It was not immediately clear what teams pursued Carter, who will make $16.36 million next year if he bypasses free agency.
Nets president Rod Thorn insisted there was “nothing, not at all” on the horizon, but added, “You never know, things can develop.”
Carter yesterday spoke only about the Nets’ resuming their playoff quest starting tonight in the Meadowlands against the Hornets and former Nets coach Byron Scott. Oh, yeah, games. Remember them? Well, just two more days before games dominate the situation again.
Monday, Carter said he was tired of the trade/free agency questions.
“Just to have that be over with and we can move on, either way,” he said. “Hopefully, we all do. I’m just tired of hearing about it.”
But often, NBA stuff happens when you least expect it.
“A lot of times when there’s the most talk nothing happens,” said Richard Jefferson who was continuing his rehab at the practice facility. “And then when there’s little talk – no one knew we were going to get Vince Carter. No one knew we were going to get J-Kidd. Sometimes when there’s a lot of talk very little happens.”
Most of the talk has been about Kidd, whose departure would recall the Nets nightmare days. The franchise had one playoff series victory and never had won 50 games in a season. Players were overpaid because of their public-relations savvy or skill in one area, however limited.
The franchise was better known for mistakes and foibles, for whom they didn’t draft – Reggie Miller, Kobe Bryant – more than for whom they did – Dennis Hopson, Chris Morris. Then Kidd arrived and everything changed.
“The guy is the heart and soul of the franchise,” said coach Lawrence Frank. “People who were here pre-Jason and then during know the difference. This guy, he turned the franchise around.
“What separates him from 99 percent of the players in the NBA is he has a will like no other,” Frank added. “When your captain comes to play every single night, it puts pressure on everyone in that locker room to do the same. You can’t put a statistic on that. You can’t put a value on it, other than when you have Jason Kidd you feel you have a chance to win.”
HORNETS at NETS Tonight – 7:30 YES – WFAN (660 AM)