s_knight8@hotmail.com

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/09/sports/basketball/09kidd.html

Jason Kidd and his wife, Joumana, returned to New Jersey from a lavish
26-hour recruiting visit to San Antonio late Monday, laden with a $94
million maximum offer and visions of winning a championship. The
Spurs' presentation was so persuasive that Kidd was leaning toward
signing with the N.B.A champions, according to three people with
intimate knowledge of the Nets.

When the Nets learned yesterday of Kidd's inclination, the
organization acted quickly to try to convince him that New Jersey was
still the best place for him and his family. The Nets, though, are
running out of time. Kidd told the Spurs and the Nets that he hoped to
make a decision by Friday and no later than Monday.

"The Nets are deeply concerned," said a person with intimate knowledge
of the organization who spoke on condition of anonymity. "Every effort
on earth will be made to retain him." Nets officials were expected to
meet with Kidd last night.