The cast was removed from Corey Maggette's injured left foot Tuesday, and the Los Angeles Clippers said an X-ray revealed significant healing in the ligament he injured almost two months ago.

"We will proceed with our intended therapy and rehabilitation program," team physician Tony Daly said after examining Maggette. "We are optimistic about Corey's status. He will be re-evaluated in two to three weeks, at which time we intend to determine a further course of action."

Maggette will undergo aquatic therapy and a rehabilitation program until his next evaluation. His playing shoe has been altered with a full-length carbon fiber shank to allow more rigidity, the team said, adding that Maggette is not expected to participate in any on-court activities until he is re-evaluated.

Thieves stole $500,000 in cash, jewelry and other items from the Bel-Air home of Los Angeles Clippers guard Cuttino Mobley, who was in Denver for a game against the Nuggets, authorities said Sunday.

The home was burglarized sometime between 6 p.m. Saturday and 5 a.m. Sunday, said Officer Mike Lopez, a Los Angeles police spokesman. He declined to release further details of the burglary and would not say whether detectives had identified any possible suspects.

Backup center Zeljko Rebraca, who sat out 24 games because of an irregular heartbeat, might be sidelined three more weeks after again experiencing chest pains, a Clipper spokesman said Thursday.

Physicians recommended that Rebraca, who did not accompany the team on a trip to play the Denver Nuggets tonight, sit out at least two weeks after tests Thursday at Centinela Hospital Medical Center in Inglewood did not reveal what caused his irregular heartbeat before Wednesday's 90-77 victory over the New Jersey Nets.

The four-year veteran, however, was cleared to resume full-contact practice, and Rebraca is expected to accompany the Clippers on a six-game, 11-day Eastern trip that begins Sunday.

"The doctors said he would have some episodes, periodically, while he gets adjusted to being back with us," Coach Mike Dunleavy said. "Hopefully, he'll be OK."

Clippers forward Corey Maggette is optimistic about this weekend. Either Saturday or Sunday the cast will be removed from his left foot, and if an MRI shows complete healing, he will begin a rehabilitation program leading to his return.

"If everything goes right, then I could be back a little bit before the All-Star break," Maggette said Tuesday.

Maggette and the team hope for the best but are braced for the worst. The latter scenario would mean the separation between the ligament and bone in his mid-foot has not healed sufficiently, which would require a screw to be inserted. That procedure would put Maggette out for the rest of the season.

The uncertainty is the main reason a trade collapsed that would have sent Maggette to Indiana for Ron Artest. The Pacers backed out, unwilling to commit if there were no assurance Maggette would return this season.

"The doctors are saying that surgery is still a possibility but we'll see," Maggette said. "I'm a prayerful dude and a faithful guy, and I'm going to leave it in God's hands."

Maggette, injured Dec.5, has missed the past 21 games. His activity has been limited to upper-body training, along with calf and hamstring exercises. But he has not been allowed to ride an exercise bike or do any weight-bearing cardiovascular work.

"It's been a month and a half since I've shot a basketball," he said. "I don't want to even practice free throws because I'd have to shoot them off balance, since I can't put any weight on my foot."

While on the subject of the Clippers, Peter Vecsey hears they're discussing a Chris Wilcox - Francisco Elson trade with Denver.

The T'wolves, too, can't decide whether to exchange Eddie Griffin for Wilcox. Kevin McHale is against it. Dwane Casey is a proponent.

Clippers center Zeljko Rebraca was cleared Thursday to return to action after missing 24 games because of an irregular heartbeat.

He began practicing two weeks ago and is expected to be in the lineup sometime next week, the team said.

Rebraca was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat after a game against Toronto on Nov. 23. He underwent a procedure Nov. 30 to help prevent a recurrence of irregular heartbeat symptoms.

Several publications reported Monday morning the Clippers have been in contact with free-agent Latrell Sprewell, the Times indicating that the Clippers are "hopeful" he will join them for the remainder of the season.

Coach Mike Dunleavy, however, said he not only has not talked to Sprewell, but he said General Manager Elgin Baylor has also not talked to Sprewell.

"I'd like to talk to him," Dunleavy said, "but we can't find him."

Healthy or not, Elton Brand was determined to get back on the court after missing two games because of a sore right hip.

Brand scored six of his 35 points in overtime and had 14 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Clippers knocked the Utah Jazz out of first place in the Northwest Division with a 102-93 victory Monday.

Not knowing when -- or if -- Corey Maggette would play again because of a separated ligament in his left foot, Brand couldn't wait any longer.

"It's tough dealing with injuries, especially Corey Maggette's, so you have to step up and play," Brand said. "It's not 100 percent, but I didn't want to let the team down. The team stepped up and won two games without me against sub .500 teams. So I felt, as long as they let me, I'm going to play through it."

The Clippers are hopeful that free-agent guard Latrell Sprewell will join them for the remainder of the season, a team source said.

Clipper officials have had conversations with Sprewell, who apparently needs time to get into playing condition and consider his next move.

A source tells the L.A. Times that the Celtics offered Pierce to the Clippers for a package that included Shaun Livingston but were turned down.