While Vince Carter can opt out of his contract after this coming season, he has given no indication that he'll do so.

Asked yesterday if he could see himself staying with the Nets for the rest of his career, the star swingman said, "Of course. I enjoy it here. It's all about being happy, and I'm happy here."

Carter could play out his deal, which calls for $15.1 million this season and a $16.3 million player option in 2007-08. But Carter's best chance at maximizing his value could come by opting out.

The Nets' safest route to keeping him is to sign him to an extension beforehand. The Celtics did so last month with Paul Pierce, locking him up through 2011.

So far, though, Rod Thorn said there's been no contract talk with Carter or his representation.

"It's a two-way street," the Nets president said. "We love Vince. He's a terrific player; he's been great for us, but he may want to look out and see what's available. When Jason (Kidd) became a free agent, he did so because he wanted to see what's out there. It has nothing to do with whether Vince likes us or we like him."

"I haven't thought about it," Carter said. "I just let it be, and when the time comes, we'll deal with it. Summertime is for relaxation. If I worried about that now, I'd be a miserable man."