NEW YORK -- If it's not already a living lock, the time has come, the walrus says, for the 25-27 Nets to make a command decision today -- not tomorrow, not next week and definitely long before the Feb. 22 trade deadline, when any leverage they may own now will be lessened or lost -- to deal Jason Kidd and Vince Carter.
Should the franchise's two paramount players survive that cut-off date, New Jersey consequentially is at the mercy of Kidd's age (34) and Carter's contract opt-out option (this summer), as well as the recuperative powers of Richard Jefferson and Nenad Krstic.
Even if all four of those stars were to fall into perfect alignment next season, assuming an at-ease position would only prolong the inevitable, short term, at best.