Bulls' Gordon's main goal: make money, win a title

Bulls guard Ben Gordon is ready for anything when he hits free agency on July 1. He ruled out playing overseas next season but has no idea how hard the Bulls will work to bring him back.

Speaking Wednesday on the "Waddle and Silvy Show" on WMVP 1000-AM, Gordon mentioned salary and winning a championship as his requirements when settling on a team.

"My primary objective is to win an NBA championship," he said. "Obviously, the money has a lot to do with it, too. But one of the factors is going to be where I think I have the best chance of winning, has the best team in place, and give myself at least a shot to compete for a championship."

If he does re-sign with the Bulls, Gordon believes the team needs to make additional improvements to become a title contender.

"I'd really be counting on the organization to step up and maybe spend some extra money so we can get some players in here and give us a chance," he said.

Gordon has been the Bulls leading scorer the past four years. Last season, he averaged 20.7 points and shot a career-best 45.5 percent from the field. He averaged 24.3 points and hit a number of clutch shots in the first-round playoff loss to Boston, but shot just 38.8 percent overall.

"I've had a great time here," Gordon said. "Chicago's a great city, wonderful fans. I've had a great time playing here, had a lot of fun."

The 6-foot-2 guard will be an unrestricted free agent, free to sign with any team. But only three franchises - Detroit, Oklahoma City and Memphis - expect to have significant cap room this summer. Most of the other teams will be able to offer only the $5.5 million mid-level exception, though the Bulls could also work out a sign-and-trade deal with another squad.

Last summer, Gordon turned down a six-year deal believed to be worth $54 million. The Bulls set a deadline just before the start of training camp to accept the offer. Gordon's agent let the deadline pass, then tried to accept the offer, but the Bulls refused to put it back on the table.

"People do business different ways," Gordon said. "In this business, you really can't be surprised at what happens. I just took it as a learning experience, went out, did what I had to do and are just going to let the chips fall where they may."

Gordon was promoting his kids basketball camp, which will take place next week at the Bulls/Sox Academy in Lisle. The camp runs June 15-19 with two sessions: Ages 6-11 from 9 a.m. to noon, and ages 12-17 from 1-4 p.m.

Gordon hosted a similar camp last year, but it was held later in the summer. This year, it will be over before he gets a chance to become a former Bull.