For the first time in his wage-earning life, Karl Malone will be out of a job Tuesday. Rarely has so successful an employee relished unemployment this much.
   
"After 18 years, I can sit back and decide for myself. I don't have to answer to anyone but my family and myself, and I like that," Malone said this past week. "It's a nice change."
   
How big of a change depends upon what the future Hall of Famer and his agent, Dwight Manley, hear from potential suitors this week. NBA teams can begin negotiating with free agents such as Malone on Tuesday, and Manley expects a busy opening day.
   
"I don't think it will take long to determine what teams have in mind," Manley said. "Karl has been in the league a long time. It's not as though nobody knows him."
   
Everybody knows what the league's second-leading all-time scorer is looking for, too: a championship ring. Malone earned $19.25 million last season, but Manley said money is now a secondary factor in the Mailman's decision.
   
"We can't weigh [offers] without numbers, but Karl has said many times what is important to him," Manley said. "It's going to be championship ability, quality of life, playing situation, coaching -- many factors."