Mitch Lawrence of the Daily News reports that Rodney Rogers is finally getting close to signing. After being priced out of the Celtics budget, it appears as if Rogers is choosing between New Jersey and Minnesota.

With a decision coming as soon as today, Rogers can sign with Minnesota, starting at $4.7 million this coming season, if he decides to play with Kevin Garnett. Or, he can join the defending Eastern Conference champs, and his old Phoenix teammate, Jason Kidd, but starting at no more than $2.8 million. The nine-year veteran is also being pursued by Seattle and Philadelphia, but, like the Nets, those teams can't match Minnesota's offer.

"No, we don't have a deal," said Nets president Rod Thorn yesterday, shooting down reports that Rogers was Meadowlands-bound. "But we're actively pursuing a shooter, and we could use someone like (Rogers)."

Because they've offered Rogers the entire $4.7million mid-level exception, the Timberwolves are seen as the favorites. Rogers' agent, James Williams, recently told several teams that he wants at least something close to the mid-level for his client. After signing Chris Childs, the Nets have only a portion of that left. Which is perhaps the reason Thorn acknowledged, "I've got several irons in the fire for a shooter."