Forget the NBA draft.

The real talent chase begins Tuesday when the free-agency negotiating period opens. Teams can sign players starting July 16.

The Spurs, Nuggets and Jazz are the only serious bidders this summer because they each have more than $10 million in salary-cap room. Utah's ability to sign is dependent on whether the team re-signs Karl Malone. The Clippers also are well under the cap, but they don't do that kind of thing.

Jason Kidd heads an unrestricted free-agent list that includes Jermaine O'Neal, Brad Miller, Reggie Miller, Gary Payton, Tyrone Hill, Derrick Coleman, Juwan Howard, Scottie Pippen and Alonzo Mourning. Other notable names are Michael Olowokandi, P.J. Brown, Elden Campbell, Kenny Thomas and Rasho Nesterovic. Keon Clark could become a free agent if he opts out of his contract with Sacramento. There also is a bunch of guards, including Kenny Anderson, Earl Boykins, Dion Glover, Darrell Armstrong and Speedy Claxton.

Restricted free agents?players whose teams can match offers for one year to retain them?include Elton Brand, Corey Maggette, Gilbert Arenas (though only up to about $4.6 million for the Warriors), Lamar Odom and James Posey.