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Nets face Bulls in first game since Kidd trade

Feb 20, 2008 - 11:57 AM Chicago (21-31) at New Jersey (23-30) 7:30 pm EST

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- The post-Jason Kidd era for the New Jersey Nets begins Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls.

The Nets sent the nine-time All-Star guard and forwards Malik Allen and Antoine Wright to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday for point guard Devin Harris, center DeSagana Diop, swingmen Maurice Ager and Trenton Hassell and forward Keith Van Horn, who hasn't played in nearly two years.

New Jersey also received two future first-round draft picks and $3 million.

"We were in a holding pattern for so long, now there's no more holding, no more waiting," New Jersey coach Lawrence Frank said. "You've got six or seven teams thirsting for the playoffs, and we're going to have to hit the ground running and adjust, and we're certainly capable of doing that."

The Nets have beaten the Bulls in nine of the last 12 meetings and have won the last 12 at home against Chicago dating to the 2001-02 season.

Luol Deng is expected to miss his 13th straight game with a left Achilles injury for the Bulls, who are 12-15 since Jim Boylan took over for the fired Scott Skiles.

However, Ben Gordon, who is averaging a team-high 20.0 points, could be back for Chicago after missing five games with a right wrist strain.