The Nets' search for size could bring them back to a summer re-run of sorts: Robert "Tractor" Traylor.

Traylor, who underwent heart surgery after failing a Nets physical last summer, is expected to begin working out within a couple weeks, and a source here said all indications are the Nets will have him in for a private workout with an eye on signing him.

The Nets and Traylor had agreed to terms over the summer, but when the heart condition was detected, the deal was nullified.

"The Nets showed interest before, and there's no reason to think they won't work him out," the source said.

Additionally, as the trading deadline nears, the Nets will keep a close eye on Tim Thomas and his situation with the Bulls. Thomas, who wanted a trade from Chicago, is working out in Philadelphia. Should the Bulls buy him out of his contract, the Nets will look at bringing him aboard.

The Nets have scoured the league looking for another big man, but those they have interest in are either unobtainable (Chris Wilcox of the Clippers) or carry a too-high price tag (Melvin Ely, Bobcats). The Nets are not exactly overwhelmed with realistic trading pieces. And one possibility ended yesterday when the Sixers traded Steven Hunter to New Orleans.