Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports: Even after drafting small forward Caron Butler, coach Pat Riley indicated Friday the Heat will seek swingmen and perimeter-oriented players when free agent negotiations begin Monday.

Riley said he expects to use at least a portion of the Heat's $4.6 million salary-cap exception but will not offer it at the outset of free agency or when signings can begin July 17.

''We have the whole summer to do this stuff,'' Riley said. ``We've learned a lot of players wait until September, and we've found players late.''

Riley also said the Heat might give deadlines to free agents so Miami doesn't lose a chance to pursue other players.

Because the Heat wants to have cap space in 2003, Riley said he probably will not offer a longterm contract starting at close to the exception.

Most teams are near or above the projected $53 million luxury-tax threshold. The Heat has $49.9 million committed to the five players with fully guaranteed contracts and must pay Butler $1.67 million in the first year of a three-year deal, with a team option for a fourth and right-to-match for a fifth.

Heat owner Micky Arison, originally reluctant to pay any luxury tax, now appears willing to pay a small one.

Much of the $4.6 million exception could be enough to sign a small forward such as the Lakers' Devean George, Boston's Rodney Rogers or Utah's Bryon Russell or Donyell Marshall.