The Nets and Rod Thorn are nearing completion on a three-year contract extension, ending speculation that the team president would leave when his current agreement expires after next season.

Thorn confirmed his commitment Wednesday to staying the course with the franchise, saying ownership and his attorney were finalizing the details of the contract.

Several sources close to Thorn said he had a change of heart about staying with the Nets after the original investment group entering into ownership with developer Bruce Ratner dissolved. Only after growing comfortable with the second wave of investors buying into the group did Thorn finally consent to reconstructing the franchise for a second time.

One of the most highly respected executives in the NBA, Thorn transformed a beleaguered Nets' franchise into a two-time Eastern Conference champion, earning NBA Executive of the Year honors in 2002. Thorn had been entering the final season of his original five-year contract and would've been a sought-after free agent around the NBA.

This development makes a Kidd trade even more likely, as there is no pressure on Thorn to win immediately.  It is almost preferred for the Nets to dismantle completely now and begin rebuilding for when they relocate.