Jason Kidd is set to return to action and he may be with the Nets a little longer than expected.

"I think he has a great future with the Nets," Nets owner Bruce Ratner told The Post yesterday. "That is my hope."

"It is not something I really [want to talk about,]" Ratner said when asked about speculation that Kidd could be traded. "The talk is about him coming back [tonight.] He is a great player. I'll leave it at that."

After a short pause, Ratner added that Kidd is a "great person, too."

Kidd will be one of the most desired commodities on the open market this trading season, if he becomes available.  

He underwent knee surgery this past summer.