So they didn’t start dialing right after midnight. The Nets waited until they got into work to start the pursuit of their own free agents, most notably, Keith Van Horn.

Like all NBA teams, the Nets began making calls and started preliminary negotiations for free agents who cannot be signed until after Aug. 1 by guidelines of the last collective bargaining agreement.

The Nets finished last season with six players headed for free agency, plus Van Horn, who though not a free agent, on Monday issued a warning that he wants his situation resolved quickly and effortlessly.

Van Horn will seek, and likely receive, the maximum six-year deal, the exact amount to be determined when the salary cap is established.

GM John Nash, who began making the necessary calls yesterday, claimed “I don’t foresee a problem” with Van Horn.

A spokesperson for the forward’s agent, David Falk, said the attorney intends to decline comment on all aspects of negotiations.

Another apparent priority for the Nets is Jamie Feick, who served so commendably at center after Jayson Williams suffered a broken leg. The Nets conceivably could give Feick $2 million. Nash contacted Feick’s agent, Keith Glass, yesterday.

“The Nets called first thing this morning,” Glass said yesterday. “We had a good talk. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out they’re interested in him. I think it will be a pretty straight forward matter. I don’t see any games.”

Feick will generate interest around the league but Glass admitted there is “a strong chance” he will remain in New Jersey.