The Mavericks have had a cold summer trying to lure NBA free agents, and it may be getting chilly trying to keep one of their own.

Raja Bell, who started 32 games in the regular season and seven in the playoffs, is pessimistic he will return to the Mavericks for the 2003-04 season.

"They spoke to me early, and everybody said then that they want me back," Bell said from his home in Miami. "But as of now, I'm going to explore all my options.

"I'd love to come back to Dallas, but I'd love for them to really want me back, too. Right now, I don't see it that way. Right now, it [returning to the Mavericks] is looking a little doubtful. But things can change."

The drafting of 6-6 Josh Howard with the 29th pick could impact Bell's status. Both are shooting guards who can play small forward. Bell played point guard in rare instances last season, too.

But if Howard becomes a player who takes minutes that went to Adrian Griffin and Bell last season, they become expendable.

"We have interest in all our free agents at some level," said Donnie Nelson, president of basketball operations. "It depends on a lot of other factors. Our emphasis remains the same: adding size and toughness in the paint."