Bernie Bickerstaff of the Bobcats said his discussions with representatives for Gerald Wallace and Primoz Brezec were preliminary, but could lead to extensions for either or both before the team's first game in November.

Having played three seasons under the NBA's rookie wage scale, Wallace and Brezec would become restricted free agents after the upcoming season. The Bobcats could avoid that by signing them to extensions, but under NBA rules, the team can't do that after Oct. 31.

Wallace, a shooting guard-small forward, and Brezec, a jump-shooting big man, both played well in summer league.

Melvin Ely, a power forward-center, enters his third NBA season following the trade from the Los Angeles Clippers. By exercising Ely's option year, Bickerstaff guaranteed the player's salary in the 2005-06 season. Based on the rookie wage scale, that's worth about $2.4 million to Ely.

The Bobcats signed the free agent and former all-star guard to an undisclosed contract today.

"Steve Smith is the consummate professional, both on and off the court, and he will be a great leader for our young team," said general manager and head coach Bernie Bickerstaff. "Steve is one of the finest shooters to play the game and he competes every time he steps on the court, which is what our team is all about."

Bobcats? center Jamal Sampson is being accused of assault and battery in a lawsuit filed last month.

His former roommate and friend, Christian Straughter is claiming that Sampson kicked him in the head, causing him to suffer a concussion.  Than in an attempt to keep Straughter quiet, Sampson allegedly made several threats to the man described as a foot shorter and 100 pounds lighter than his alleged attacker.

Sampson couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday. His agent, Jerome Stanley, called the lawsuit "a classic shakedown by a jealous former friend."

The conflict was apparently started over $400 in unpaid rent and bills.

Bobcats team owner Bob Johnson is keeping a close watch as the situation unfolds.  Asked if he'd cut a player or pay off a guaranteed contract to protect the team's reputation, Johnson said, "There's no individual player above the brand."