By InsideHoops.com

NBA free agent negotiations are underway. Here's a look at Eastern conference team needs.

ATLANTIC DIVISION

BOSTON - Not looking to spend any money. Clipping coupons. They'll be looking for bargains at almost any position.

MIAMI - Alonzo Mourning may stay or may go, but he's not a part of Miami's big picture regarding the future, so it doesn't matter too much either way. As for other free agents, the team is building around Caron Butler and, if he pans out, Dwyane Wade. Any top players at any position would be helpful. Wade is a shooting guard but he will get time at the point. Still, another point guard is needed. The top need is a great center or power forward. The Heat may just sign players to short deals and wait till 2004, when they'll have more money to get better players.

NEW JERSEY - Some Jason Kidd guy is rumored to be a free agent, or something like that. Yeah. He is. Other than the desperate need to keep Kidd, the Nets could use a shooting guard or small forward with a consistent outside shot.

NEW YORK - The Knicks need every star or potential star they can get at every position other than shooting guard. But, no more undersized power forwards, please.

ORLANDO - Build around Tracy McGrady and Drew Gooden. The Magic can use a starting point guard (could be filled by rookie Reece Gaines), a backup shooting guard, a great small forward, and any good big guys. The biggest need is a top center. Also, they should look on the web to see about buying a new body for Grant Hill. By now there has to be a site that sells them. InsideHoops.com/bodies doesn't exist yet.

PHILLY - A great small forward would be nice. A center is needed. So is a backup point guard. And some more jewelery for Allen Iverson. He doesn't have enough just yet. And a good Philly cheese steak for me would be nice. Mmmmm, cheese steak.

WASHINGTON - They can use almost anyone really good at any position who does not conflict with what Jerry Stackhouse provides on the offensive end. A point guard is needed. They can also use a name change. I recommend "Bullets."

CENTRAL DIVISION

ATLANTA - Need the best guard possible. Also, a new front office. Right now, lucky fans chosen at random are running the team. InsideHoops.com can help, just call us. The team also needs chemistry, and good backups at every position.

CHICAGO - Need veteran leadership. A new small forward would be perfect, with Jalen Rose at shooting guard. The veteran would guide the kiddies into becoming winners and teach them how to put on scarfs and gloves during cold Chicago winters.

CLEVELAND - Need a point guard to get LeBron James and Ricky Davis the ball. Although James has point guard ability, InsideHoops.com feels he'd be best suited as a "point-forward." Right now the team's best true point guard is a lucky fan chosen at random before each game. The Cavs also need an outside shooter.

DETROIT - Must keep Richard Hamilton, and make general upgrades. Even with Darko Milicic joining, they can use a new big guy to play next to Ben Wallace. This beacuse Cliff Robinson is 135 years old. Another new small forward to join Tayshaun Prince would help. A good new backup guard as well.

INDIANA - Need to keep Jermaine O'Neal and Brad Miller. Reggie Miller is old and not as important anymore. Additionally, they could use point guard help. Tim Hardaway is 183 years old and not an answer.

MILWAUKEE - Looking to spend as little as possible. If Gary Payton leaves they need a new point guard to go along with rookie T.J. Ford. The Bucks just threw Sam Cassell away for almost nothing. Michael Redd will get the main shooting guard minutes. The team is loaded at small forward. Adding a dominant power forward or center would be great.

NEW ORLEANS - Lots of teams want to sign P.J. Brown, and he wants a championship, so he may not be back. The team probably wants a replacement just to be safe. Backcourt depth is also needed. Also, the team name "Jazz" is needed, so they should contact Utah and see about buying it.

TORONTO - Looking to spend as little as possible. They want big guys and a new point guard. They also need a publicity coach for Vince Carter so he doesn't ever again welcome the team's lottery pick by telling the media that he wants the rookie traded away. The team's biggest need is health.