[Chicago Tribune]
Bulls think big . . . Big Ben
Paxson, Skiles meet with Pistons' Wallace in Detroit
By Marlen Garcia
John Paxson came through Saturday on his promise to think big in free agency.
The Bulls' general manager and coach Scott Skiles visited the Pistons' Ben Wallace, the biggest name in free agency, in Detroit on the first day teams could have discussions with available players.
Paxson declined to comment on the meeting with the 6-foot-9-inch, 240-pound defensive ace, who was expected to be the Bulls' top target as they decide how to spend about $15 million they have available under the NBA's salary cap.
Detroit radio rumour is that the Bulls offered Wallace $15 million. [Booth Newspapers]
Pistons offer Wallace 4-year, $48 million deal
By A. Sherrod Blakely
AUBURN HILLS -- The Detroit Pistons got the ball rolling on negotiations with Ben Wallace on Saturday, offering the unrestricted free agent a four-year contract worth $48 million.
In presenting the proposed deal to Wallace's agent, Arn Tellum, Detroit offered Wallace a contract that would make him the highest-paid player in Pistons history.
$12 million is less than $15 million. Over 4 years, $12 million dollars less. [CBS Sportsline]
Bulls visit Big Ben; agent says 'process is just beginning'
From the Detroit Free Press
DETROIT -- Bulls coach Scott Skiles and general manager John Paxson wasted no time launching their bring-Ben-Wallace to-
Agent Arn Tellem said Skiles and Paxson came to Detroit on Saturday to meet with Wallace, the Pistons' longtime center who is the brightest star on the free-agent market that opened Saturday.
I love how reports had Ben in Chicago, and yet now it was the Bulls who came to Detroit. This is a good sign for the "keep Ben" crowd.
Still, it's a game and an important one for the future of the Bulls and Pistons. The only clear-cut winner in this one is Ben Wallace. Sounds like he is gunna get paid. Good for him.