The New Jersey Nets, exploring marketing changes in an effort to enliven their image, may change their nickname, and according to radio and newspaper reports are considering the name Swamp Dragons.

The Nets have confirmed that they did apply for a new nickname and that name, logo and team colors changes are always a potential marketing option. The would not, however, admit that Swamp Dragon is one of the possible names suggested by the organization but said more than one is being considered.

We have applied to the N.B.A. for a lot of things, and we do this annually," said a team spokesman, John Mertz. "We are exploring all of our marketing options."