Frank Hughes of the News Tribune reports that the Nets aren?t commenting about Jason Kidd?s future. The all-star guard will be a free agent next summer and more than a few teams will have the money to offer him a considerable contract.
Seattle will have a decision to make this summer as well. Gary Payton will be a free agent as well. If Seattle decides not to re-sign Payton, they would love to see Jason Kidd in a Sonics uniform. Considering the Sonics are a rebuilding team, Kidd is unlikely to put himself in that position. But Sonics owner Howard Schultz has a good relationship with Kidd.
When asked about the situation, Nets GM Rod Thorn said that it?s not a lock that Kidd will return to the Nets next year. "From the time he got with us, he has steadfastly maintained that he is going to become a free agent," Thorn said. "I think that because of the success we had last year ... if he feels we have a chance to do well, our chances are better that he will be with us."
Hughes writes that three teams will likely be able to offer maximum contracts to try and lure Kidd from New Jersey. Utah could have more than $20 million available if Karl Malone and John Stockton retire. Denver could have about $16 million, and San Antonio could have about $15 million with the retirement of David Robinson and is the team most likely to land him. Seattle could have about $9 million if it does not re-sign Payton.
Thorn did mention the possibility of a sign-and-trade deal for Kidd, but said it?s not in the Net?s plans right now. "At this time, we are not interested in a sign-and-trade," Thorn said. "But you never know what is going to happen. We have only played 17 games, we have a long ways to go this year, and strange things happen."