According to the Chicago Sun-Times, it looks as if the Chicago native is going to sign a two-year, $6.4 million contract to play for the Dallas Mavericks, ending the Bulls hopes of signing the veteran guard.  Dallas has been the top choice for Hardaway for some time, and now the Mavericks have a $3.2 million from trading Howard Eisley to New York they look certain to sign the free agent point guard.  "Nothing is official yet and I don't want to say anything premature, but Dallas has been the top option for Tim and the trade of Eisley puts the Mavericks in a better position than before to sign him,'' said Hardaway's agent, Henry Thomas.

By acquiring Howard Eisley, the article states that the Knicks are reportedly shopping Guard Charlie Ward, who could be an option for the Bulls because of his strong leadership skills.  However, Ward's knee and his contract are of some concern.