Marc Berman of the New York Post reports that Seattle may not be resolved to give up their restricted free agent, Jerome James just yet. After initial speculation that the Sonics would probably let James go if offered a big contract, Seattle coach Nate McMillan said yesterday his club will match an offer sheet to Sonics' 7-1 center who visited the Knicks last weekend.

According to a league source, New York isn?t prepared to offer James the entire mid-class exception. The Knicks have decided they will use only a portion of their $4.7 million exception on the free-agent centers they are considering, including James. And if the Knicks do extend an offer to James, it will not be for the maximum 6-years. It will more likely be a 4-year deal.

"Yes we are going to match," said McMillan. "Our plans are to match the contract. Last year our plan was to build around our young guys and help them develop - Rashard Lewis, Earl Watson and Jerome. We plan to keep him if possible."

James? agent, Mark Fletcher says that as many as six teams are interested. He expects to see at least two offers for the mid-class exception. Other than the Knicks, Sacremento and Memphis have also expressed interest.