Paxson believes Gordon will accept qualifying offer

Bulls general manager John Paxson believes the long-running Ben Gordon saga will end with Gordon accepting the one-year qualifying offer and becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Paxson said as much in an interview with the team's new radio voice, Chuck Swirsky, which is available at bulls.com. Paxson confirmed the sentiment in an e-mail.

"We've been so far apart for two summers, and the qualifying offer is a good one-year deal for Ben," Paxson said. "So yes, I do think that is what will happen."

If he accepts the qualifying offer, Gordon would be paid $6.4 million for the 2008-09 season with the Bulls. He could not be traded without his consent. Gordon, who has been working out regularly at the Berto Center, did not immediately return a phone message.

The Bulls are thought to be offering a six-year deal worth around $59 million. The 6-foot-2 shooting guard has led the team in scoring for three straight years.

The Bulls will hold their annual media day Monday, with the first official practice under new coach Vinny Del Negro the following morning.

The team added three players to its training camp roster Friday - former Illinois forward Roger Powell, 6-9 power forward Elton Brown and 6-2 guard Darius Washington. Brown averaged 20.4 points and 11.8 rebounds last season in the NBDL.