Tyson Chandler was not surprised that Jason Kidd retired recently to eventually become head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, but he does think the former New York Knicks guard could have played more seasons in the NBA.

"I tried to [convince him]," Chandler said. "I did. I thought he had a couple of more years in him. I gave my input. I tried to tell him he could still do it, and you have a lot left in you.’’

Although Kidd went scoreless in the final 10 games of the season, Chandler does not believe he went through a slump.

“I didn’t consider it a slump,’’ Chandler said. “He’s a floor leader. He entered the game as a floor leader and leaves it as a floor leader.He didn’t make shots in the playoffs, but that’s not a slump for him. It’s everything else Jason brings.’’

Jerome Jordan will play on the New York Knicks' summer league team, but he wants a permanent role on the team next season.

"I'm ready to play," Jordan said. "It was a tough year with the team [in 2011-12]. There was a lot of pressure. I'm just trying to be physically and mentally ready to play on both ends of the floor.

"Defensively, block shots and rebound, and then on the offensive end, just try to be comfortable out there."

Jordan said he was close to signing with the Memphis Grizzlies last fall.

With Jason Kidd becoming the Brooklyn Nets' new head coach, Raymond Felton admits he will need to take an elevated leadership role on the New York Knicks, as well as increased pressure to make smart decisions.

“I guess that means I have to step up my game a little but more, be a little bit more of a leader,” Felton said. “It’s just a little more pressure on me I guess."

Felton said he learned a lot from Kidd in their one season together with the Knicks, which ended in a loss in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

“There was a lot of behind the scenes things going on, a lot of talking one on one with me and Melo," Felton said. “Whether it’s on the court or off the court, I learned everything from him. J-Kidd did a lot for our team this year. I wish him the best."

Tony Mitchell will work out for the New York Knicks on Friday.

Mitchell, a 6-foot-8 power forward, averaged 13 points and 8 rebounds this past season for North Texas.

“Best athlete in the draft,’’ one Eastern Conference executive said. “But he’s below average to average skill-wise and his team didn’t win this year.’’

Mitchell will be joined at the workout by Ricardo Ledo, Tahj Tate, Adonis Thomas, Christian Watford and Grant Jerrett.

Gorgui Dieng will work out for the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets before the June 27 draft.

Dieng, a 6-foot-11, 230-pound center, anchored the No. 1-ranked defense in the country during his senior year at Louisville.

The Knicks pick at No. 24 while the Nets own the 22nd selection.

J.R. Smith will decline his player option of $2.9 million for the 13-14 season with the New York Knicks, a source confirmed.

Smith is "likely" to re-sign with the Knicks, according to a second source.

Smith averaged 18.1 points and 5.3 rebounds during the regular season.

Jason Kidd has announced his retirement from the NBA.

Kidd was the second overall pick out of California by the Dallas Mavericks in 1994.

Kidd was a 10-time All-Star and co-Rookie of the Year in 1995.

Kidd had multiple stints with the Mavericks, culminating in a title in 2011 when he had evolved into a more complementary piece. Kidd also led the Nets to multiple appearances in The Finals.

The New York Knicks had Kidd signed at $3.09 million for each of the 13-14 and 14-15 seasons.

“My time in professional basketball has been an incredible journey, but one that must come to an end after 19 years,” Kidd said. “As I reflect on my time with the four teams I represented in the NBA, I look back fondly at every season and thank each every one of my teammates and coaches that joined me on the court.”

Brandon Triche will work out for the Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks over the next ten days.

Triche expects to have more workouts with other teams scheduled before the draft.

A 6-foot-4 combo guard, Triche averaged 13.6 points and 3.6 assists during his senior season at Syracuse.

Nate Robinson would be open to returning to the New York Knicks, according to his agent, Aaron Goodwin.

"Nate's first thought would be to remain with the Bulls, but if the Knicks' opportunity presented itself, I am sure he would appreciate an opportunity to play in New York again," Goodwin said.

Goodwin will likely seek a mid-level contract for Robinson, who will be an unrestricted free agent come July 1.

Robinson was drafted by the Knicks in 2005.