Morris

Peterson

''It’s not 100%, that’s for sure,’' Peterson said. ''I still feel I can play. If I wasn’t able to help our team I wouldn’t be playing.’'

Both Lamond Murray and Michael Curry appear to be ahead of Peterson at small forward right now. Stay away.

Peterson was the only Raptor to appear in every game last season, but new coach Kevin O’Neill doesn’t have much use for him. He should remain the subject of trade rumors. The Knicks are interested.

''I want to do what makes me happy or what helps me in the end,’' Peterson said. ''If that means leaving, it’s leaving. If that means staying, I’ll stay.’' There are no current rumors involving Peterson, but his name should continue to pop up as teams have needs.

A Peterson-for-Othella Harrington swap with the Knicks has been discussed in the past and could be revived now that the Raptors are without Antonio Davis and Jerome Williams.

Peterson would get a two-year deal with an option for a third year. He’d be Jamal Mashburn insurance for the Hornets. The Raptors would like to keep Peterson, but they won’t match any excessive offers.

Peterson doesn’t seem to think Toronto will match. “I’m excited about the opportunity to play for New Orleans,” Peterson said. “After Toronto didn’t show a lot of loyalty, I feel like New Orleans is giving me a fresh start with a first-class organization.”

Peterson would make $2.4 million next season if he signs the offer. He’ll be looking for a long-term deal, though.

Raptors GM Rob Babcock said from the outset he planned to match the offer and just needed approval from the team’s board of directors."Morris has an excellent chance to develop,” said Babcock. “Before last year, I thought he was headed for an outstanding NBA career and we still think he can do that.”

“It’s a two-step process, and the basketball decision is entirely mine,” Babcock said by telephone. "(Coach) Sam Mitchell and I agree that we want to retain him, but we are aware that the board of directors make the financial decisions.”