Former Knicks' All-Star Allan Houston is trying to return to the NBA, and he may do so with the Nets. According to multiple league sources, the Nets will offer Houston a "make-good" contract for the veteran's minimum. If the shooting guard accepts and his body holds up through next month's training camp, he will be on the team this season. Houston, who retired before the 2005-06 season because of an arthritic left knee, held a private workout at New York Athletic Club in Manhattan on Tuesday. The Nets, represented by coach Lawrence Frank and assistant Brian Hill, were among about seven teams on hand. Reached by telephone, Frank said, "You have to be very, very impressed with him wanting to play. It's not financially motivated. He probably feels he has some unfinished business. He had a very, very good workout." The Nets would like Houston, who played just 20 games in 2004-05, to work out against live competition. But the sources said the Nets are willing to bring in Houston based on what the coaches saw. "The next step is seeing what his expectations are," one source said. It's possible that another team could offer Houston a guaranteed contract, which the Nets are not willing to do at this time. But there are a few things that could work in the Nets' favor. They are close to Houston's Connecticut home. Also, Houston and Jason Kidd have a good relationship, as he does with Vince Carter. The three played on the 2000 Olympic team. One of the sources said there is mutual interest. If he's signs, Houston will fill a need for the Nets off the bench. They lost Eddie House to the Celtics and need another shooter. Houston, who has averaged 17.3 points and shot 40.2 percent on threes in his 12-year career, likely would play 15-20 minutes a game. If Houston turns them down, the Nets may decide to offer veteran forward Jumaine Jones, who they have worked out the past two days, a similar make-good deal. --

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