The Pistons today will begin negotiations in earnest to re-sign Richard Hamilton, a restricted free agent.

The Pistons gave Hamilton a qualifying offer Monday, 150 percent of last year's salary ($2.7 million), which gives them the right to match any offer from any other team.

Pistons President Joe Dumars has made it clear that re-signing Hamilton to a long-term deal was a top priority.

"No question, we want him here," Dumars said last week, adding that preliminary discussions with Hamilton's agent, Leon Rose, were encouraging.

Rose did not return phone calls Monday.

"We are not anticipating any snags," said John Hammond, the Pistons' vice president of basketball. "Our plan is to make him a long-term commitment. We hope it will be a win-win situation for both Rip and us."