Time running out for Deng, Gordon to sign
Luol Deng expressed doubts Tuesday that he would agree to a contract extension before tonight's deadline, meaning the Bulls might go 0-for-2 in that department. Ben Gordon's negotiations also are at an impasse.
The two Bulls players aren't alone. Other prominent members of the 2004 draft class, such as Charlotte's Emeka Okafor and Philadelphia's Andre Iguodala, have yet to agree on new deals.
"I'd rather see it happen. I want to be in Chicago," Deng said. "Then again, the Bulls don't really have to sign us. We're still here."
If Deng and Gordon don't sign today, they will become restricted free agents next summer, which means the Bulls would have the right to match any offer.
Failure to reach agreement with their two leading scorers isn't necessarily bad news for the Bulls. That means both Deng and Gordon are confident they'll play well this season and earn the right to request a higher salary next year. The Bulls currently are offering deals in the neighborhood of $50 million over five years.
"No matter what, we're going to be motivated," Deng said. "But at the same time, there's going to be something to prove. It's just the business part of it. There's nothing personal.
"For me and Ben, it's our first time going through a contract like this. The Bulls are more familiar with what's going on. They know what we're doing more than we do."
Deng suggested there will be more negotiating before he settles on a final answer today. One byproduct of Deng and Gordon not signing extensions is it would be easier for the Bulls to trade for Kobe Bryant. Whether that's good or bad news is open to debate.
"I've never played with Kobe, but I see how good he is," Deng said. "I really enjoy the guys I play with. I like being around the guys I play with. Whatever happens, happens."
Net results ugly: A year ago on opening night, the Bulls absolutely clobbered the Miami Heat 108-66, giving some payback to the team that knocked them out of the playoffs the previous season.
Could it be payback time again tonight against New Jersey, the team that dropped them from a 2 seed in the 2007 playoffs to a 5 thanks to a 106-97 Nets victory in the last game of the season?
Overall, the Bulls have lost 11 straight at the Nets' arena, which is now called the Izod Center.
"I think the guys that have been here realize we've been unable to get a win there," Kirk Hinrich said. "It seems like no matter what we do over there, it ends up in a loss. We have a lot of motivation."
Coach Scott Skiles provided this blueprint for the Bulls to repeat last year's opening-night success:
"We've had a tendency to hold the ball too much against them," Skiles said. "We've had several days now to talk about it. If we come out running our offense, moving the ball and driving them, playing out of the post somewhat, it means we're in tune with what we're trying to do."
Wallace looks OK: Ben Wallace did some running during the Bulls' light workout Tuesday. Coach Scott Skiles expects the veteran center to play tonight at New Jersey, six days after Wallace suffered a sprained left ankle.
"I'll go out there tomorrow night and give it a shot," Wallace said. "Every day it seems to feel a little bit better."
Skiles declared rookie Joakim Noah (sprained right ankle) out for tonight's contest.
Howard says no: The Bulls made a recruiting pitch to Chicago native Juwan Howard, but the veteran power forward decided to sign with Dallas on Tuesday. Howard accepted a contract buyout over the weekend from Minnesota. … Former Bulls power forward Malik Allen is on the Nets' roster. … New Jersey's Jason Kidd played in just one preseason game due to a back injury.
Tonight's tipoff
Bulls vs. New Jersey Nets at the Izod Center, 6:30 p.m.
TV: Comcast SportsNet
Radio: WMVP 1000-AM
Update: The Bulls couldn't have picked a scarier spot to spend Halloween. They've dropped 11 straight at the building now known as the Izod Center, including a pair of frustrating defeats last season. The Bulls lost once after jumping to an 18-0 lead, then blew a chance to secure the No. 2 playoff seed by losing to the Nets 106-97 in the regular-season finale.
Players to watch: Nets stars Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson get the attention, but swingman Bostjan Nachbar averaged 19.8 points in the preseason and center Nenad Krstic is back after missing last season with a knee injury.
Next: Philadelphia 76ers at the United Center, Friday
-- Mike McGraw