(Note: This column was written before Gerald Wallace agreed in principle to a six-year deal to remain with the Bobcats.)
The NBA's free-agent signing period opens Wednesday, which means teams finally can begin inking players to contracts. Look for a flurry of deals to be announced right away, followed by a slow trickle the rest of the week.
The Big Three of this year's free-agent crop -- Rashard Lewis (Magic), Vince Carter (Nets) and Chauncey Billups (Pistons) -- already has reached agreements.
Other notable players who have agreed to terms include Andres Nocioni (Bulls), Jerry Stackhouse (Mavs), Luke Walton (Lakers), Grant Hill (Suns), Jason Kapono (Raptors) and Matt Carroll (Bobcats).
Here's a look at the top remaining free-agent prizes, and where each stood entering the start of the signing period.
Gerald Wallace
 | The Bobcats are committed to re-signing Gerald Wallace, who averaged a career-high 18.1 points last season. AP |
Leader in the clubhouse: Bobcats
Other suitors: Mavs, Heat, Bucks, Pistons
The skinny: The 6-7 small forward is expected to re-sign with the Bobcats, who can offer him the most money. Wallace has said he wants to stay in Charlotte, and new Bobcats coach Sam Vincent has made it clear he wants him. Wallace, who averaged 18.1 points and 7.2 rebounds a year ago, hopes to get a pay raise after opting out of the final year and $6 million of his previous contract. If his price tag proves too costly for the 'Cats, he could try to work a sign-and-trade. The Mavs and deep-pocketed owner Mark Cuban would be at the front of the line.
Mo Williams
Leader in the clubhouse: Bucks
Other suitors: Heat
The skinny: The best point guard left on the market, the 6-1 Williams is weighing a choice between the Bucks and Heat. Milwaukee has offered him a deal worth $40 million over five years, according to a league source. Miami is over the salary cap and has offered him a four-year, $24 million deal with a player option for 2010-11. Williams, who averaged 17.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.1 assists last season, met with Heat president/coach Pat Riley last weekend, and is said to be intrigued by the idea of playing alongside Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade. But will it be enough to persuade him to leave all that extra cash on the table?
Darko Milicic
Leader in the clubhouse: TBD
Other suitors: Grizzlies, Rockets, Warriors
The skinny: Unable to clear up salary-cap room in the sign-and-trade deal they completed for Lewis, the Magic are moving on without the 7-foot forward-center. Memphis has a little cap room and could make a serious bid for the former No. 2 overall pick it it doesn't make an offer to Anderson Varejao.
Anderson Varejao
Leader in the clubhouse: Cavs
Other suitors: Grizzlies
The skinny: The 6-10 forward, a key role player for Eastern Conference champion Cleveland, met with the Grizzlies last weekend and is expected to sign an offer sheet. The Cavs would have the right to match any offer since Varejao is a restricted free agent, and GM Danny Ferry has said all along that he would do so. However, the Cavs have concerns about the luxury tax, and it is possible Ferry could decide Varejao's price tag to be prohibitive.
Morris Peterson
Leader in the clubhouse: Jazz
Other suitors: Hornets, Pistons
The skinny: The 6-7 forward met with Jazz officials in Salt Lake City on Monday, but no offer was extended. Still, Peterson seems like a natural for Jerry Sloan's system. He would fill their need for three-point shooting and perimeter defense, and his high basketball IQ would enable him to fit Utah's style of play. Peterson is said to be seeking a full mid-level deal, however, which might prove too pricey for a Jazz team that already has some whopper contracts (Carlos Boozer, Andrei Kirilenko, Mehmet Okur) and might want to save cash for Deron Williams next summer.
Desmond Mason
Leader in the clubhouse: Hornets
Other suitors: Bucks
The skinny: Like Peterson, Mason is a desirable player for his attitude and work ethic. He doesn't shoot as well, but he's younger and more athletic. The Hornets want to keep him, but they aren't going to break the bank. Mason reportedly at one point was seeking a deal starting in the $8 million range, but he's not likely to find that anywhere now. Milwaukee could have room under the cap (depending on the Mo Williams situation) and would love to bring back the former Buck at a reasonable price.
