The Raptors have 16 players under contract, including 7-foot centres Eric Montross and Hakeem Olajuwon. Montross suffered a stress reaction to a micro-fracture in his talus bone (foot) in the spring of 2002 and may be finished as an NBA player.

"He still hasn't found a solution to his ankle and foot (problems)," Grunwald said. "He's still in a lot of pain."

Olajuwon is retired but the Raptors have to pay his $6-million US salary.

"We may try to negotiate some sort of a buyout," Grunwald said.

Grunwald said that guard Anthony Peeler, who was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks, is still in the mix, although the two sides are far apart on money.