The Nets are trying to pry Stromile Swift from Houston. They are concerned about Jason Collins and now have Marc Jackson wondering whether he'd be better off somewhere else after he was benched last night.

Fun team, huh?

Yesterday, multiple league sources claimed the Nets and Rockets discussed a deal involving Swift for Jackson and a first-round pick, a deal that did not interest Houston. But the Nets are expected to intensify their quest as concern grows over Collins, who will undergo additional tests on his leg today.

The Nets had Swift as their second free-agent choice but after they appeared to sew up Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Swift signed with Houston. But Swift (who makes $5 million) has been a bench player, same as Jackson (who $4.55 million), who last night stayed calm and composed but was obviously upset by the DNP.

"A DNP means you can't help the team. If he don't think I can help the team, then maybe get rid of me for somebody you think can," Jackson said. "I think I show every day in practice I can help this team . . . I didn't get an opportunity tonight to help the team and that hurts."