Short on forwards, Bulls bring back Linton Johnson

The Bulls brought back Linton Johnson on Tuesday, signing the 6-foot-8 forward for the remainder of the season. Johnson signed two 10-day contracts with the team, beginning on March 11, but he was released when the second deal expired.

Johnson, the nephew of former Bulls star Mickey Johnson, may be needed against the New York Knicks. Forward Tim Thomas is not with the team because of a family issue, John Salmons is still nursing a groin strain and Luol Deng is no closer to returning from a stress fracture/bone contusion in his shin.

"I tried to increase my workout a little bit and had a great deal of pain," Deng said before Tuesday's game at the United Center. "So I'll just try to be off everything for a little bit and then try it again.

"I don't want to (give up on this season). I feel like even if I'm capable of coming back for 10 minutes, 5 minutes, whatever, give guys some rest, I'll help out."