To Shareef Abdur-Rahim, it's a two-way street for him and the Nets.

"They have a very good team, a team that can win," the 6-9 prized free agent said yesterday on the eve of visiting the Nets for a two-day recruiting trip. "I can complement them in a lot of ways. And they certainly can help me."

But with stiff competition for Abdur-Rahim from the likes of the world champion Spurs, the Nets are trying every ploy they can to ensure that the Portland power forward's road ends in New Jersey.

"Really, for the most part, I like everything about the Nets' situation. Even now, they are one of the top three or four teams in the East," said Abdur-Rahim, 28, who then added the dreaded "but" to the equation.

"But I'm keeping my options wide open. We're speaking to other teams. Although I like the situation, myself and Aaron [attorney Goodwin] will weigh all my options, listen to everybody," continued Abdur-Rahim, who said the Spurs, Heat, Wizards and Kings also are courting him. "I don't want to lead anybody on."