Steve Wyche of the Washington Post reports: After claiming themselves "lucky" to land three likely contributors in last Wednesday's draft that will make an already young team younger, the Washington Wizards enter the free agency period trying to upgrade their roster, maybe by saying good-bye to some players who have served them well.

Beginning just after midnight, NBA teams can begin negotiations with free agents. Contracts can't be finalized until July 16 although parties can come to terms in principle.

The Wizards' main priority is re-signing free agent forward Popeye Jones, who spent the last two seasons in Washington and is considered one of their most valuable players. Since he is the Wizards' own free agent, he fits into the "Bird" free agent category, meaning Washington can spend whatever it wants to retain him without delving into the $4.6 million exception.

Washington will have competition for Jones, one of the team's best rebounders, defenders and, more importantly, mentors to young players. The Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks already have made it clear they will pursue Jones, who said last season returning to Washington is his first choice.

The Wizards might not be as aggressive in trying to retain Nesby, a small forward, since they drafted Jared Jeffries and Rod Grizzard and have significant interest in George, the Lakers' free agent small forward. However, Nesby still could be in the team's plans, particularly if the Wizards opt to pursue a bigger point guard in free agency.

Though it drafted 6-foot-3 Juan Dixon and will try him at point guard, Washington has targeted Minnesota's Billups and Golden State's Larry Hughes, who struggled making the transition from shooting guard to point guard last year, as point guard possibilities.

In making any trades or free agent moves, the Wizards will be conscious of next season's luxury-tax trigger, which could be as low as $49 million-$50 million. They also must make sure they are thrifty enough to have enough salary cap space -- at least $10 million -- to pursue the stellar crop of free agents in 2003.

San Antonio center Tim Duncan and New Jersey guard Jason Kidd head that list, which also will include Miami center Alonzo Mourning, the Clippers' Lamar Odom and a long list of other top-tier talents. After this season, the Wizards also will have the option of extending the contract of shooting guard Richard Hamilton, who appears to be in the team's long-term plans.

This year's free agent crop has a lower profile but does contain several decent players: Mike Bibby, Bonzi Wells, Keon Clark, Rodney Rogers, Travis Best, Walt Williams, Bryan Russell, Charles Oakley, Bruce Bowen, Billups, Hughes and George, to name a few.

Wyche also speculates that the Wizards will try to swing a deal for a point like Andre Miller or a small forward like Mike Miller.

Jerry Brewer of the Orlando Sentinel reports: The Magic know that if they spend too much time haggling over free-agent bargains, they stand to lose two double-figure scorers in forward Pat Garrity and guard Troy Hudson.

Troy Hudson said that he might stay for less and that he likes playing for another and the situation is good for him. However, there was no comments ftom Garrity.

So unlike the past few seasons, when the issue was who might join them, the Magic begin free agency today needing to keep their own.

With monetary concerns limiting their options, the Magic are interested in improving by doing two things: Keeping the core of this team together and finding a good deal on an available tough guy.

General Manager John Gabriel considers draft-night acquisition Rashard Griffith, a 27-year-old center who has played overseas since 1995, a player who will at least be in the rotation next season.

With that in mind, the Magic are likely to add just one player during free agency. If they can sign Hudson, they will go for a rugged power forward/center.

Charles Oakley, who has said he would like to play for Orlando, Philadelphia or the Los Angeles Lakers, is at the top of the Magic's wish list.Gary Trent, Popeye Jones, Scott Williams and Malik Rose are other free-agent power forwards that the Magic are expected to consider signing.

If they cannot sign Hudson, then point guard becomes a concern.It's likely that if his leg holds up that Grant Hill will start at the point with Darrell Armstrong coming off the bench. If Hudfson's leaves, Travis Best, Jacque Vaughn, and Chris Childs become possible options.

The way the Magic are built, with Tracy McGrady dictating the offense and passing to open shooters, signing Pat Garrity is a must. His value is increased for two reasons: Hill's ankle injury and the fact that the Magic will still listen to callers wanting them to trade their most tradable commodity, Mike Miller.

"They are going to be a bit of a struggle," Gabriel said of signing his free agents. "It's not going to be easy."

What will the Utah Jazz do next?

Well, unless they're content to be little more than mediocre and willing to settle for an early playoff exit -- at best -- they'd better get ready to do some wheelin' and dealin" (and spending) in the free agent market this summer.

The Jazz came into last Wednesday's 2002 NBA Draft in desperate need of someone who could provide a consistent outside shooting threat for a team that couldn"t seem to make a clutch jump shot throughout much of last season.

So what'd they do?

Karl Malone's monster truck, the "Power Forward," goes airborne during the Karl Malone Foundation Monster Truck show at the Delta Center Saturday night. At left, the 6-foot-9 Mailman, barely taller than the tires on his truck, greets the crowd at the event.

A look at where the Jazz roster stands for 2002-2003, including detailed projections on the club's eight free agents...

He came to Utah in one of the Jazz's biggest free-agency deals ever, during a summer in which one of their own got away.
     
Now, it seems likely the Jazz's best bet for making a big splash in the 2002 free-agency market will be making sure forward Donyell Marshall does not leave too.
     
Marshall ? acquired two offseasons ago from Golden State as part of the multiteam, multiplayer trade that allowed Utah to recoup some value when guard Howard Eisley decided to fly the coup for big bucks in Dallas ? is the Jazz's highest-profile free agent this offseason.
   
The Jazz said after the 2001-2002 season ended that they want him back; Marshall said late last week that they will be given every opportunity to prove just how strongly they feel.

Like a little kid learning fundamental finance management, the temptations might seem overwhelming.

Blow all of that weekly allowance on candy and gum, or scrimp or save for something much more affordable a year or so from now.

Like, a really cool glove. A shiny new bike. Or that NBA superstar you always wanted, but couldn't always afford.

It is with those memories in mind that the Jazz open this summer's free-agency shopping market ? negotiating can begin Monday, and signing on July 16 ? with patience, not indiscriminate spending, in mind.

"We're going to probably be $12 million to $14 million over the (league-imposed salary) cap still, so we're going to have the mid-level exception and the minimum exception," said Larry H. Miller, the Jazz's self-made millionaire owner.

"So, unless anything fell out of the sky," Miller added, "we'd be spinning our wheels to try to make too much with that."

John Reid of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports: The New Orleans Hornets can begin Monday negotiating for a contract extension with point guard Baron Davis and his new agent, Jerome Stanley.

Davis, who could not be reached for comment, indicated through his Los Angeles-based agent that he would like to be traded to New York, Chicago or a team on the West Coast rather than sign a contract extension with the Hornets.

"About a week ago Baron made some statements, and as a result people (general managers) have called a lot, but that doesn't mean we're shopping him," said Bob Bass, the Hornets vice president of basketball operations.

"We couldn't start negotiating with him and his agent until July 1."

Bass said three teams inquired about the availability of Davis before the NBA draft this week.

The Los Angeles Clippers made an offer to the Hornets that would have sent forward Lamar Odom and their eighth and 12th first-round picks to New Orleans for Davis. Bass rejected the offer and said the Hornets have no interest in trading Davis under any circumstances.

However, several teams continue to pursue. A league source said the Cleveland Cavaliers were interested in trading point guard Andre Miller to the Hornets for Davis, but the Hornets weren't interested. Miller, who is from Los Angeles, remains on the trading block.

The New York Knicks reportedly were willing to trade guard Latrell Sprewell for Davis.

The Detroit Pistons also are in the market for a point guard.

"We have to talk to him and his agent and go from there," Bass said.

Davis, who will make $3.9 million, can become a restricted free agent at the end of the 2002-2003 season. The Hornets have the option of matching any offer.