Mike James is expected to decline his player option for 2006-2007 and become a free agent.  James realizes that his reputation may make some teams reluctant to offer him a lucrative contract.

''I'm a pit bull because I'm misunderstood," said James. ''A pit bull is the sweetest, most loving dog in the world and full of energy. But if crossed, they've got lockjaw. When I lock on to something, I'm not letting go."

''I'm not looking for all 30 teams to love me," said James. ''I'm just looking for one team that's going to believe in me and treat me as if I can really help that team win a championship at the helm.

''If somebody else was putting up the stats that I was putting up, they would throw all the money in the world at them. So, just treat me the same way as you would treat anybody else who's a free agent. Money is not my motivator, but I also want to enjoy the fruits of my labor."