Numerous teams are expected to make a run at several of the Clippers' free-agent players during the upcoming weeks. But Clippers executive vice president Andy Roeser said this week that team management will be proactive in not only retaining their restricted free agents but also in re-signing starting center Michael Olowokandi, who is the team's top unrestricted free agent.

"July will be hectic, and we will be busy trying to sign our players,'' Roeser said. "We like our players, and we'd like to re-sign them.''

Of supreme importance is the meeting Roeser has scheduled next week with Olowokandi's agent, Bill Duffy. The two sides have had informal discussions since the spring but, according to Roeser, have not had an opportunity to have a substantial meeting. It appears possible the Clippers and Olowokandi still can agree to a deal.

Duffy, who also is the agent to several other prominent NBA players, was in teleconference discussions all day Thursday and did not return phone calls placed to his office.

Among the Clippers' four prominent restricted free agents, guard Corey Maggette already has met with the Denver Nuggets. The San Antonio Spurs are interested in forward Elton Brand, but the Spurs reportedly would be reluctant to sign Brand to an offer sheet, feeling that the Clippers would match the offer.

Teams also are interested in restricted free-agent forward Lamar Odom and guard Andre Miller. But the Clippers have given the impression they won't let any of whom Roeser described as "our top four'' leave this summer.

"I don't envision an offer sheet we wouldn't match,'' Roeser said.