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Carter says he is comfortable in New Jersey`s Net

When Vince Carter takes the floor for the New Jersey Nets on opening night, about a month away, the 29 year old All-Star will also begin the final year of a contract that grants him $15 million annually. He can then opt out after the season ends from the final option year on his contract, which would pay him another $16 million. And yet this uncertain future does not seem to bother the Nets, or Carter.

The Nets have until June 30 to extend Carter`s contract for up to three years. Other teams have done so this off season, with franchise players Dirk Nowitzki and Paul Pierce signing in Dallas and Boston, respectively. Those teams did not want to lose their stars and preferred bringing the uncertainty to a quick end. Carter could become a free agent if the option is not picked. But no negotiations are expected until next spring, Thorn guessed.

The Nets expect to see a better team this year, with a starting lineup of Carter, Jason Kidd, Nenad Krstic, Richard Jefferson and Jason Collins. Carter and Kidd are at the top of their games, as is Jefferson, and high hopes are being attached to Krstic, who at 22 is due for a breakout year. A healthy Collins would also mean a stronger team, though the bench continues to be the team`s weak point.