Kidd to stay with Nets

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., July 11 (UPI) -- San Antonio Spurs General Manager R.C. Buford said Friday he had been told that star point guard Jason Kidd would remain with the New Jersey Nets.

The Spurs had been trying to sign Kidd, who had previously said he planned to make a decision next Monday.

But Buford said Kidd's agent had told him the decision had already been made.

"Earlier today, I heard from Jeff Schwartz, who indicated that Jason Kidd has decided to stop negotiations with the Spurs," Buford said. "While it is disappointing news for us, we are happy for Jason and his family."

Kidd, 30, cannot officially sign a contract until Wednesday, but sent a statement through Schwartz saying, "I have enjoyed being here the past two years. I have worked hard with my teammates and believe in our future."

The Nets had offered Kidd a six-year deal worth about $99 million.