Wade is not a fan of United Center's rims

MIAMI - Maybe the first item on the Bulls' 2010 summer shopping list should be some softer rims at the United Center.

Miami star Dwyane Wade, who grew up in Chicago's southwest suburbs, can opt out of his contract after this season.

No doubt he'll be a target of the Bulls - probably their No. 1 target - but during his career, Wade has had several bad shooting games in his hometown.

Is it possible he'd play better at the United Center if he were wearing a Bulls' uniform?

"I really don't love the rims there. I can tell you that," Wade said following Miami's 95-87 win over the Bulls on Sunday. "I've had some bad games there, but I've had some good wins there, as well."

Obviously, just three games into the season, there is no telling what Wade will do in 2010. With the Bulls in town, though, it was a good time to ask.

"When we get there, then we'll see," he said. "Right now, let's focus on my team, focus on getting better. I'm in Miami and free agency is so far away, I can't even think about it."

Wade is certainly loyal to his hometown.

He spends his summers in Chicago, bought a new downtown condo a few months ago on the advice of former teammate Shawn Marion and hosts several charity events in and around the city.

So what was the word on the street this summer about a potential Wade-Chicago reunion?

"I didn't hear nothing about it," Wade deadpanned. "I was there the whole summer, didn't hear anything. Didn't even get that memo. Everything passed me over."

Salmons finds net: One good sign from Sunday's loss was the return of John Salmons' shooting touch.

After connecting on an abysmal 17.2 percent of his shots (5-for-29) in the first two games, Salmons was 7-for-14 from the field and scored 17 points against the Heat.

Salmons thought one key for him was to show off his quick first step and drive to the basket, which he did with good success.

"The first two games, I definitely shot too many threes," Salmons said. "I always took my share of threes, but I was always better at attacking the rim first, playing inside out. I just have to keep working, keep getting better."

After a bad shooting night in Boston, Salmons suggested he might watch film to see what he's doing wrong, but ended up scrapping that plan.

"Just had some spirited talks with a couple people," he said with a smile.

Tall to small: After experimenting with a tall front line several times early this season, coach Vinny Del Negro stuck with a small lineup in the fourth quarter against the Heat.

He used Derrick Rose, Kirk Hinrich, John Salmons, Luol Deng and either Joakim Noah or Brad Miller at center. Hinrich usually has the best chance of guarding Dwyane Wade, but Wade scored just 2 points in the fourth quarter until a pair of late free throws on an intentional foul.