Marc Berman reports that, according to sources, Rodney Rogers has agreed to terms with the Nets.

Nets GM Rod Thorn has been working out details of a three-year, $9 million deal for Rogers. The former Celtics forward flew into Newark last night to take a physical that would finalize the deal. The Nets plan to announce the signing today.

After acquiring Dikembe Mutombo to solidify the defense, and promoting Richard Jefferson to a starting role Thorn had been hunting for an outside-shooting forward to come off the bench. Rogers, a key ingredient in the Celtics' march to the Eastern Conference Finals after being traded from Phoenix in midseason, fit the bill perfectly.

Rogers former teammates Jason Kidd and Dikembe Mutombo were instrumental in convincing Rogers to sign for less with the Nets. The most Thorn could offer Rogers was a contract starting at $2.9 million, since the league's reigning executive of the year had used the rest of his mid-level exception to sign backup point guard Chris Childs. It's believed that Minnesota offered a four-year contract paying between $3.1 million and $3.3 million.

"He wanted the opportunity to compete for an NBA championship," said Rogers' agent, James Williams. "With the moves they've made, he thinks the Nets can give the Lakers a run for their money. He brings to the table an ability to play the 3-4-5 positions. Jason knows Rodney will go to war with him."