The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES - The Clippers believe they have a good shot at signing Kobe Bryant and will do whatever possible at landing the plum of the free agent crop.

General manager Elgin Baylor said Thursday a meeting has been set up with Bryant, who opted out of his contract two weeks ago to become an unrestricted free agent after playing eight years with the Lakers.

"It will be soon, I can't tell you exactly when," Baylor said regarding a meeting between the parties.

Teams were allowed to begin speaking with free agents at 12:01 a.m. Thursday. Free agents can't sign until July 14.

Bryant turns 26 shortly before going on trial Aug. 27 in Colorado, where he faces a felony sexual assault charge. Baylor said that had no bearing on the Clippers' decision to pursue him.

The Lakers can offer Bryant a seven-year contract worth more than $135 million, while other teams can offer six years at around $100 million.

Baylor left no doubt the Clippers will offer the maximum.

SUNS: Point guard Steve Nash agreed to a six-year, $65 million deal with Phoenix on Thursday, leaving the Dallas Mavericks to return to the team that drafted him eight years ago. Nash shook hands on the deal with new owner Robert Sarver and Suns chairman Jerry Colangelo at a meeting in Dallas, Nash's agent Bill Duffy said.

NBA rules prohibit Nash from signing the deal until July 14.

Nash averaged 14.5 points, 8.8 assists and three rebounds last season.

The move almost certainly removes the Suns from the competition for Kobe Bryant.

Phoenix is $16.3 million under the NBA salary cap, not counting the Nash deal.

CAVALIERS: Cleveland signed Luke Jackson to a three-year contract Thursday. The Cavaliers chose the former Oregon star with the 10th overall pick in last week's NBA draft.

"He's going to help us," Cavs coach Paul Silas said. "I expect he's going to play right away."

Financial details of Jackson's deal were not released.

TIMBERWOLVES: Latrell Sprewell is staying with Minnesota, and the veteran swingman wants to finish his career with the Timberwolves.

Sprewell exercised his option to make $14.625 million this season, rather than opting out to become a free agent. Sprewell's agent, Robert Gist, and Timberwolves vice president Kevin McHale will speak this summer about a three-year contract extension for Sprewell.

LAKERS: Karl Malone had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee this week and will decide during the summer if he will return for another season.

NETS: Jason Kidd had surgery on his left knee Thursday. He is expected to begin rehab immediately.