Some published reports Friday said Finley, a free-agent guard/forward from Dallas whom the Pistons covet, was a certainty to sign with Miami.

But several league officials contacted Friday said that's not accurate and that the Pistons are still thick in the Finley waiting game.

It seems clear that Finley, 32, who cleared waivers Thursday, isn't rushing into a decision.

His top two choices appear to be the Heat -- home of Shaquille O'Neal, a revamped roster and high expectations for 2005-06 -- and the Pistons, who can offer the same money ($5 million) for a job backing up Tayshaun Prince and Richard Hamilton.

Minnesota, Denver and San Antonio also reportedly have talked to Finley's representatives. Finley became a free agent after the Mavericks bought him out under the NBA's new amnesty clause.