Steve Wyche of the Washington Post reports: After claiming themselves "lucky" to land three likely contributors in last Wednesday's draft that will make an already young team younger, the Washington Wizards enter the free agency period trying to upgrade their roster, maybe by saying good-bye to some players who have served them well.

Beginning just after midnight, NBA teams can begin negotiations with free agents. Contracts can't be finalized until July 16 although parties can come to terms in principle.

The Wizards' main priority is re-signing free agent forward Popeye Jones, who spent the last two seasons in Washington and is considered one of their most valuable players. Since he is the Wizards' own free agent, he fits into the "Bird" free agent category, meaning Washington can spend whatever it wants to retain him without delving into the $4.6 million exception.

Washington will have competition for Jones, one of the team's best rebounders, defenders and, more importantly, mentors to young players. The Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks already have made it clear they will pursue Jones, who said last season returning to Washington is his first choice.

The Wizards might not be as aggressive in trying to retain Nesby, a small forward, since they drafted Jared Jeffries and Rod Grizzard and have significant interest in George, the Lakers' free agent small forward. However, Nesby still could be in the team's plans, particularly if the Wizards opt to pursue a bigger point guard in free agency.

Though it drafted 6-foot-3 Juan Dixon and will try him at point guard, Washington has targeted Minnesota's Billups and Golden State's Larry Hughes, who struggled making the transition from shooting guard to point guard last year, as point guard possibilities.

In making any trades or free agent moves, the Wizards will be conscious of next season's luxury-tax trigger, which could be as low as $49 million-$50 million. They also must make sure they are thrifty enough to have enough salary cap space -- at least $10 million -- to pursue the stellar crop of free agents in 2003.

San Antonio center Tim Duncan and New Jersey guard Jason Kidd head that list, which also will include Miami center Alonzo Mourning, the Clippers' Lamar Odom and a long list of other top-tier talents. After this season, the Wizards also will have the option of extending the contract of shooting guard Richard Hamilton, who appears to be in the team's long-term plans.

This year's free agent crop has a lower profile but does contain several decent players: Mike Bibby, Bonzi Wells, Keon Clark, Rodney Rogers, Travis Best, Walt Williams, Bryan Russell, Charles Oakley, Bruce Bowen, Billups, Hughes and George, to name a few.

Wyche also speculates that the Wizards will try to swing a deal for a point like Andre Miller or a small forward like Mike Miller.