Steve Wyche of the Washington Post reports: The Washington Wizards had preliminary discussions with representatives for free agents Popeye Jones, Larry Hughes, Devean George and Chauncey Billups yesterday, according to sources with knowledge of the talks.

NBA teams could begin negotiating with free agents as of yesterday and the Wizards wasted little time contacting players on their short list. Parties can come to terms in principle but can't finalize contracts until July 16. There were no negotiations between the Wizards and the free agents, the sources said.

Jones, a nine-year veteran who spent the past two seasons in Washington and averaged seven points and 7.3 rebounds last season, is the team's top priority. Jones said last season that he would like to re-sign with the Wizards and the Washington's brass has made it clear it wants him back.

The Wizards have a $4.6 million exception to spend on free agents from other teams but can offer Jones whatever they want without touching the exception since he is their own free agent.

Washington also is trying to land a bigger point guard to go with their three point guards -- one of whom likely would be traded if the Wizards added another.

Billups and Hughes top the team's list.

Unlike the other free agents contacted by the Wizards, Billups, who spent last season in Minnesota, plans to decide quickly, according to his agent, Andy Miller. He is interested in the Wizards, but the glut of point guards on the roster, which include Chris Whitney, Juan Dixon, and his best friend, Tyronn Lue, could factor into his decision.