A year ago, forward George Lynch asked to be traded to the Washington Wizards because the Hornets didn't entertain his requests for a more lucrative contract.

With training camp for the start of the 2003-04 season only two months away, Lynch still wants a contract extension and the higher pay expected to come with that.

And, this time, the Hornets are considering his request.

"We're taking a real hard look at it, but I'm not saying we got anything done," Hornets executive vice president of basketball operations and general manager Bob Bass said this week. "I've been talking to George's agent."

Nothing is expected to occur over the next two weeks because Bass and Lynch's agent, Kenton Edelin, who is based out of Alexandria, Va., are on vacation.

If Lynch's contract is not extended, he will make $2.8 million this season and $3 million for the 2004-05 season, the final year of the six-year deal the Hornets inherited when they obtained him from the Philadelphia 76ers in a trade.

Last season was one of Lynch's best. In the 32 games the 10-year veteran started, the Hornets went 20-12, and he averaged 6.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.6 steals.