The Raptors are seriously considering signing free-agent guard Anthony Peeler in a move that would hasten the departure of Lindsey Hunter from Toronto.

Team and NBA sources told the Star yesterday that Peeler, 32, could be signed as early as today or tomorrow. Hunter would be bought out of the final year of his contract so the Raptors could make the move.

Peeler, 6-foot-4, 210 pounds and an 11-year NBA veteran, played in all 82 games for the Minnesota Timberwolves last year, starting 39 and averaging 7.7 points, 3.0 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game. He also played in all six of Minnesota's playoff contests, averaging 4.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists.

The acquisitions of Sam Cassell and, to a lesser extent, Latrell Sprewell, means much less opportunity for Peeler to play in Minnesota.

League sources say he is also coveted by the New Jersey Nets, who could use a shooter, albeit streaky in Peeler's case, to come off the bench.