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djsunyc
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Inside The Bulls
Curry, Bulls not communicating
Friday, September 30, 2005
By Paul Ladewski Staff writer
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The longer the Eddy Curry controversy drags on, the more it appears a parting of ways may be the best solution for the Bulls and the malcontent free-agent center.
Amid speculation Curry no longer wants to be associated with the team in wake of its insistence that he submit to a genetic heart test, Bulls officials have not heard from him in several days.
"I tried to reach Eddy on a number of occasions but was unsuccessful," said Bulls general manager John Paxson, who last week indicated Curry would not be allowed to play without a favorable test result.
Asked whether Curry could be a disruption when preseason camp opens next week, Paxson said, "That's something we'll have to deal with."
Indications are Curry will accept a one-year, $5.1 million qualifying offer to return to the Bulls prior to the deadline today, although the official announcement might not come until Saturday.
With the support of the NBA Players' Association, Curry could refuse to take the test, in which case an arbiter probably would rule on the matter.
Bulls restricted free-agent guard Jannero Pargo is expected to accept an $875,000 qualifying offer today.
Paxson confirmed he had talked with the New York Knicks earlier in the week about a possible sign-and-trade deal for Curry, but he said it was highly unlikely such a move would be made.
Paxson denied a published report that in recent days he had repeatedly turned down the Knicks' proposed offer of forwards Tim Thomas and Michael Sweetney.
Paxson called it a "bizarre proposal" but declined to elaborate.
Such a deal would provide the Bulls with salary-cap relief, in that the contracts of Thomas and Sweetney are scheduled to expire after next season. At the same time, the Bulls are already well-stocked at the wing positions and the addition of Thomas could compromise team chemistry.
For weeks, the Knicks have been rumored to be interested in Curry, the kind of scorer they need to compliment banger Jerome James in the middle.
A major obstacle for such a deal is the Knicks have an overload of high-priced players in whom the Bulls have no interest. That Curry is subject to so-called base-year contract rules also complicates matters.
"If we went that route, we would have to get exactly what we wanted," Paxson said earlier this month. "That's our leverage. So it doesn't phase me one bit if there's a team out there that wants him."
Paxson said he would be open to any offer for Curry that would benefit the team, but he cautioned not to read anything into the statement.
"I would say that about any player on our team," Paxson said. "I think any person in my position with any team would say that."
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