Rod Thorn said Saturday that both Jason Kidd and Vince Carter are likely to be back next season despite speculation that one or both could be used as bait to reel in younger, less expensive talent.

But Kidd's play during the postseason convinced Thorn that he's too valuable to get rid of, which is why Thorn said the chances that he'd include the point guard in any deal were "very slim."

"I think his play of the last month just reemphasizes how good this guy is," Thorn said. "Just his effort, his will, his never-say-die attitude - he's one heck of a player."