Speaking at his basketball camp Monday in Portland, Ore., Scottie Pippen confirmed his interest in possibly returning to the Bulls.

"There's a great appeal there for me," Pippen told The Oregonian. "It's where I started my career. I had a lot of success playing there. My wife is from there, and that's really the icing on the cake."

Pippen spent part of the 4th of July weekend in Chicago for personal reasons. That didn't stop Bulls general manager John Paxson and coach Bill Cartwright from beginning the recruiting process that they hope will land their former teammate.

"It helps the situation for you when you're sitting in a room with people who you're comfortable with and who have been mentors to you your whole career," Pippen said.

Free agents can sign contracts beginning July 16.

Los Angeles no longer appears to be an option for Pippen since the Lakers are pursuing Gary Payton and Karl Malone. Detroit and Orlando are other suitors besides the Bulls, who have a midlevel exception worth approximately $4.6 million to offer.