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Trade rumors surround Kidd, Carter

Feb 21, 2007 - 4:10 PM New Orleans (25-29) at New Jersey (25-29) 7:30 pm EST

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- The New Jersey Nets have been shorthanded a lot this season due to injuries. Two of their top players might be gone for good.

With trade rumors swirling around stars Jason Kidd and Vince Carter, the Nets will open a five-game homestand on Wednesday when they face the New Orleans Hornets.

With center Nenad Krstic (ACL) out for the season and forward Richard Jefferson gone until at least late March (ankle surgery), New Jersey has struggled this season.

Then before the All-Star break, the Nets played two games without Kidd, the eight-time All-Star point guard who is bothered by a sore back. Kidd hopes to return to the lineup on Wednesday.

The favorite to win the Atlantic Division, the Nets have fallen 4 1/2 games behind first-place Toronto and have lost six of their last nine games. The swoon has caused the team to consider trading Kidd or Carter in an attempt to rebuild.

But Kidd has made himself most attractive to teams with his stellar season, averaging 14.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 8.7 assists. Without Kidd, the Nets were routed, 120-109, at Toronto last Wednesday.

Making his second career start in place of Kidd, rookie Marcus Williams scored 19 points and Carter added 17 and 10 assists.

After winning nine of their 12 games before the All-Star break, the Hornets were defeated by Charlotte, 104-100 on Tuesday. Star guard Chris Paul collected 20 points and seven assists.

The Hornets - along with the Los Angles Clippers and Golden State - are one-half game behind Minnesota for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.