The cash-conscious Raptors are prepared to pay their next coach a starting stipend of $1.8 million US.

According to sources, the Raptors are dangling that financial carrot as part of a three-year deal to succeed Lenny Wilkens and become the fifth coach in club history.

The number pales in comparison with what high-profile coaches earn in the NBA -- the league average is about $3.5 million -- but the Raptors, who are paying Wilkens $5 million this coming season not to coach, aren't looking for an established name.

The short list of the four coaching hopefuls reinforces it -- Kevin O'Neill, Dwane Casey, Mike Woodson and Sam Mitchell.