Help is on the way for Nets

The Nets’ potential starting small forward of the near future returned Tuesday as Damion James practiced for the first time in more than two months.

Coach Avery Johnson said there is "a 20 percent chance" James, who missed 33 games after breaking his right foot Dec. 9, could play tonight against the Celtics. It’s both teams’ last game before the All-Star break. Johnson wants to start James after the Nets return so he can "evaluate" the rookie.

"He’s not going to come in and turn our whole season around," Johnson said. "He’ll come in and give us more energy, especially defensively. He can do things with his hustle and defensive prowess that you just can’t teach. He’s instinctive in that area."

Trade talks will heat up over All-Star weekend, when team owners and executives descend on Los Angeles for the annual event, to attend some meetings and exchange trade proposals. Prokhorov and King will represent the Nets.

If the Nets and Nuggets reopen dialogue, it’s possible Prokhorov and Anthony, who was voted a starter for the West All-Star team, finally could meet and discuss a contract extension. The Nets won’t trade for Anthony if he doesn’t sign one.