By FRED KERBER February 16, 2007 -- With the schedule resuming against the Hornets Wednesday, one day before the trading deadline, the Nets own a lengthy to-do list. The team needs to rest and regroup. Jason Kidd needs to get healthy. Management needs to discover if any trade makes sense. And the brass wants to do one other thing. Determine whether Vince Carter will be a free agent this summer. "Vince has said that he had never been a free agent and, before the season, he told us that he wants to be a free agent," said team president Rod Thorn. "Over the next week, we would like to ascertain what his intentions will be, and it has nothing to do with the trading deadline. But you want to gather all the information you can." Thorn expects Carter to opt out of the final year of his contract - worth $16,360,094 next season - and test free agency. But that doesn't mean he won't be a Net in 2007-08. And it doesn't mean the Nets don't want him back. They do. "We'd certainly like to do something," Thorn said. "He's a terrific talent. As far as numbers, I'd say his scoring is within a point or so of what it was last year. His rebounds and assists are up. He's our third best passer behind Jason [Kidd] and Marcus [Williams]. He's been productive. We just haven't won games." The $16 million is more than Carter, 30, could get elsewhere but he'll likely seek security. Figure the Nets would go for something in the area of a three-year deal in the $35 million to $45 million range. There is always a sign and trade possibility. "But that would have to be something we'd be interested in," Thorn said. "We're not going to do anything that doesn't help us." Carter likely would find the free agent market tight. Orlando has been strongly mentioned as a possibility but that is highly doubtful. The Magic likely won't have the resources but also, league sources said, Orlando brass fears Carter might impede the progress of rising stud Dwight Howard. Other teams mentioned include Charlotte, but the Bobcats simply are not big spenders. When all the dust clears, Carter likely will test free agency and return to the Nets. But as Thorn constantly reminds, "All it takes is one" team to make a big pitch. Witness Kenyon Martin. Carter has frequently been asked about his contract. As recently as Monday, he was asked how much thought he gives it and he insisted, "None at all." Meanwhile, with 28 games left, the Nets have more immediate problems. Like getting their defense back. After three victories with Steel Curtain-like numbers - 80.3 points, .374 shooting (86-of-230) - the Nets rolled over in two straight losses: 113.5 points and .562 shooting (82 of 146). Both games were played without Kidd (back strain), who is expected back Wednesday. "It's a definite concern," said coach Lawrence Frank, one day after his Nets were swamped in Toronto, 120-109. --

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