McGrady confident, but no decision from Bulls yet

The Bulls have made no decision on whether to make a contract offer to veteran swingman Tracy McGrady.

The seven-time all-star worked out at the Berto Center on Monday morning. He chatted briefly with reporters and said joining the Bulls is his first choice.

After undergoing microfracture surgery on his left knee in February 2009, McGrady, 31, has been battling to return to his old form. During a 24-game stint with the Knicks late last season, he averaged 9.4 points and shot 38.9 percent from the field.

"I feel pretty good compared to my last game I played in New York," he said. "I was still going through the rehab process then."

Besides McGrady's health, one of the Bulls' major concerns is whether he's willing to accept a supporting role. Luol Deng will be the starter at small forward, with Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver splitting time at shooting guard.

If everyone stays healthy, McGrady figures to play less than 20 minutes. But he could be helpful if one of those players is lost for a significant stretch.

"I won't have a problem (with a reserve role), but that's not what I'm really shooting for," McGrady said. "If I was the player I was in a Knicks uniform, I would have no problem coming off the bench. But I have worked extremely hard and I'm far from that player. It's up to me in training camp to prove I'm a starter."

The Bulls have spent most of their salary-cap room and are likely to offer McGrady no more than the veteran's minimum, which is about $1.35 million. It's possible they could lessen the risk by pushing for a contract that is not fully guaranteed. In that case, they could release him if he's upset about a lack of playing time.

Asked if he would be a positive influence in the locker room, McGrady pointed out that he spent three years in Houston with Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau, who was a Rockets assistant under Jeff Van Gundy at the time.

"I'd fit in well," McGrady said. "I bring what I know about the game and my athleticism and versatility. Knowing my smarts for the game, leadership, anything I can add to get these guys over the edge. Without me, without (Carlos) Boozer, they're a .500 club. With the guys we added, we'll be 30 points better."

McGrady was the Bulls' main free-agent target in 2000, but signed with Orlando instead. He won two scoring titles with the Magic, but has never played in the second round of the playoffs.

He averaged 21.6 points for Houston in 2007-08 before missing 79 games over the next two seasons.