"The 76ers could have a veteran backup big man in place as early as today.

Theo Ratliff, 35, a veteran of 13 NBA seasons, has sifted through four offers and settled on rejoining the Sixers on a 1-year contract, according to a source familiar with the situation.

The source said the 6-10 Ratliff could visit with the Sixers today and accept a 1-year contract for the veterans' minimum of $1.4 million. By the rules of the collective bargaining agreement, a portion of the salary would be paid out of a leaguewide pool.

When asked yesterday about the search for an additional big man, Sixers president/general manager Ed Stefanski said he hoped to have a resolution "within 48 hours," but would not elaborate.

Ratliff was acquired by the Sixers from Detroit during the 1997-98 season and was traded to Atlanta during 2000-01. He was named an All-Star in '01, but was unable to play because of a wrist injury."