The former star at St. Patrick's High in Elizabeth, who lives in Edgewater, said he's not trying to send out any subliminal messages -- but told The Post he definitely would be interested in signing with his hometown Nets this summer, especially since they will play in Newark, 10 miles from Elizabeth, the next two seasons.

"If they had interest in me, I'd take a strong look at that," Harrington, a free-agent-to-be, told The Post.

"It's still the city. It's still home. I'd rather play at the Garden, but I'd play in Newark, too."

According to a source, the Wizards, Blazers and Bulls are expected to have interest in Harrington this summer.