Next premise: The most attractive post player available is Elton Brand, who, according to the Los Angeles Times' Web site, opted out of his $16.44 million contract last night.

Reality: The Sixers certainly will inquire about what it would take to bring Brand to Philadelphia, but one source familiar with the situation suggested that Brand's asking price could be beyond the Sixers' means.

The Sixers have a little more than $11 million in salary-cap space. They also must consider that Brand, at 29, is coming off Achilles' tendon surgery; he played in just the final eight games of last season. And ESPN.com reported that he said his intention is to remain with the Clippers.

More reality: Reports in Atlanta and Orlando last night indicated that Hawks restricted free agent Josh Smith was scheduled to meet with the Sixers this week. Smith and agent Brian Dyke were scheduled to meet today with Hawks officials.

Smith declined a $45 million extension from the Hawks during the season. Remarkably versatile, he is the first player in league history to block at least 225 shots and hit at least 25 three-pointers in the same season.

And even more: Antawn Jamison, the Washington Wizards' forward, despite averaging 21.4 points and 10.2 rebounds last season, isn't really a post player. But his brief presence in the marketplace seemed worth at least exploring.

Whomever the Sixers zero in on, either in free agency or via trade, it won't be Jamison, 32, who signed a 4-year, $50 million extension yesterday and stayed out of free agency.

The Sixers' brain trust spent yesterday in meetings, determining their options; president/general manager Eddie Stefanski was not available for comment.

Clippers guard/forward Corey Maggette also decided to opt out of his $7 million final season.

If the Sixers don't see a viable post player in free agency, they will investigate potential trades. Stefanski has said that the team's secondary issues revolve around "a 3-man [small forward] or a specialist who can make some shots" and a point guard to back up Andre Miller and Lou Williams.

Whatever their level of interest in Atlanta forward Josh Smith, the Hawks seemed poised to retain their restricted free agent.

Stefanski also said, "You can't have everything overnight," believing current players Williams, Rodney Carney, Willie Green and Thaddeus Young will improve as shooters.

Stefanski's remaining issue involves the re-signing of restricted free agents Andre Iguodala and Williams; they were to be the first players he intended to contact.

By rule, even if teams reach agreement on new deals with players today, they cannot be finalized until July 9. Iguodala and Williams also have the option of signing 1-year tenders and becoming unrestricted free agents next summer. *