"If free-agent small forward Josh Howard is to join the Spurs — still a big "if" at this point — it won't be for the start of training camp today.

An hour before today's scheduled opening of NBA free agency, a publicist for Howard said the heavily courted Washington swingman might not finalize a decision until early next week.

"San Antonio is still very much in the discussions with Josh and his agent (Derek Lafayette)," said Howard's publicist, Crystal Howard (no relation). "There's still a lot of back and forth between a number of teams and Josh's representatives. A decision has not been made yet, but he's certainly considering San Antonio as his (potential) new home."

According to the publicist, Howard is still weighing interest from at least five other teams — Chicago, New Jersey, Washington, Utah and Denver.

Though Crystal Howard says there is no firm timetable for Howard to make his choice, his camp is shooting for Monday.

The Spurs would prefer resolution to come as soon as possible. They could offer Howard a deal starting at the mid-level exception of $5 million, but would first need to waive incumbent small forward Richard Jefferson to dip below the luxury tax threshold."