Despite their rise to the ranks of the NBA elite, the Cavaliers have yet to cash in on the market for aging stars looking for a shot at a championship.

That might not change anytime soon, but they are in the game. Team sources said the Cavs have interest in former New York Knicks star Allan Houston, who is planning a comeback two years after being forced to retire because of knee problems. Houston, 36, was one of the best shooting guards in the game in his prime. He told ESPN.com last week that his knee is feeling better and he hopes to play this season.

Various media outlets have reported that the Dallas Mavericks also have shown interest in Houston. The Mavericks, though, already have 17 players under contract and just signed veteran shooting guard Eddie Jones to a deal last week.

Also in the past week, another former star forced into retirement with knee issues, Penny Hardaway, started a comeback by signing a one-year, nonguaranteed deal with the Miami Heat.

Houston, who made $40 million despite not playing for the past two years, probably would be looking for a deal that guarantees him the veteran's minimum of $1.2 million.

''I'm looking to play a supporting role to some of these great young stars,'' Houston told the Web site. ''More of a leadership role, someone who can add experience and stability late in games. I don't expect my scoring and my minutes to be what they used to, but at the same time, I'm not looking to just be a decoy out there. I'd like to have some kind of role.''

The Cavs have talked to retired stars in the past. An NBA source said the Cavs tried to talk Reggie Miller into coming out of retirement after the All-Star break last season. Miller, who is very close to Cavs coach Mike Brown, recently has been courted by the Boston Celtics.

Coach to be hired

The Cavs are expected to fill the hole on their coaching staff this week. League sources said the club will name veteran assistant John Kuester to Brown's staff. He will replace Kenny Natt, who left the team to take a job with the Sacramento Kings.

Kuester has 17 years of NBA coaching experience.

Training camp invites

The Cavs have issued four training camp invites to non-roster players as they look to find shooters and an additional big man. Dwayne Jones, who played with the Cavs sparingly last season, has been invited. Forward Darius Rice, a strong shooter who averaged 10.6 points on the summer league team, is expected to be invited, as are David Noel, an undersized but strong forward, and undrafted forward Anthony Tolliver. noweb