As the Nets continue juggling the free-agent big-man puzzle with Jamaal Magloire emerging as their prime target, Vince Carter is expected to officially sign his new four-year contract worth nearly $62 million today with a press conference set for tomorrow. The two sides tried to get something done yesterday but logistical problems intervened: Carter was in California and attempts to have documents faxed and signed failed.

"It was just people being in different places," said team president Rod Thorn, who is in Orlando with the Nets' summer-league team. "We'll probably get it done officially [today].

"Vince is a terrific player and he has been very, very good for us in the 2? years he's been here," Thorn said of the Nets' leading scorer (25.2 ppg) last season. "At 30 years old, we feel he is just reaching the peak of his powers, so to speak."

Thorn said Mikki Moore is not out of the Nets' picture, even as their attention zeroed in on 6-foot-11 Magloire, who played for the Trail Blazers last season. Thorn and Lawrence Frank dined with Magloire on Tuesday night, and by all accounts, the meeting went well.

"I think so," said Thorn, who said he sensed mutual interest. "He obviously brings some things to the table that interest us. He's a low-post scorer, a rebounder. He brings toughness, he's been an All-Star. We're looking at several guys who are free agents."