"We Are the Champions" was blaring at an ear-splitting level, confetti was falling like snow at the SBC Center, the San Antonio Spurs were hugging and dancing and laughing, and Jason Kidd had a slight smirk on his face.

Was he picturing himself wearing black and silver next June, jumping for joy alongside Tim Duncan?

As the party continued, Kidd, who will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1, was asked if he could definitely say he would be a member of the Nets next season. He gave an answer that must have sent tremors rumbling through New Jersey.

"I can't," Kidd told ABC's Stuart Scott moments after the Spurs beat the Nets, 88-77, to win their second N.B.A. championship in five years. "I can't. The door is open and I've got to play my free agency out. I'd love to be a Net, but I've got to look at all my options."

How much more can Kidd stand? That may be what the biggest decision in Nets history boils down to.