Center Mile Ilic figures to be with the Nets after all.

The Nets' hope to bring the 7-2 Ilic, last year's second-round pick, over from Europe received a jolt when rookie Josh Boone required shoulder surgery, forcing the acquisition of Mikki Moore, which ate up a roster spot.

But now there is available room because Zoran Planinic is headed to Spanish League power Tau Ceramica.

The Nets plan to finalize a buyout this week for Planinic, who is expected to clear waivers.

The Nets are still looking for a shooting guard or a third point guard. This past week, they worked out Kareem Rush, who twice got ill during a lackluster session. Sources claimed it would not cloud the Nets' decision.

Other possibilities include Eddie House and Milt Palacio, whom the Nets wooed last year before settling on Jeff McInnis. McInnis' buyout situation is at a "stalemate."