Bulls operations chief John Paxson remembers how it felt to be a player worrying about a contract extension, which is why he recently pulled aside Jamal Crawford.

Crawford, 23, became eligible for an extension Aug. 1, and the window remains open until Oct. 30. Paxson also phoned Crawford's agent, Arn Tellem.

But the conversations weren't to negotiate as much as to establish an understanding. Paxson wants to be patient, which likely means there won't be an extension this year.

''All I expressed to Jamal is that whatever happens in this process, if something doesn't work out this year, it doesn't mean that we don't want him back,'' Paxson said. ''I'm still kind of in a patient mode with the whole process, and we don't necessarily feel something has to get done before the season.

''We're going to try to talk again some time in September.''

Without an extension, Crawford--who is entering his fourth season--would become a restricted free agent next year, which means the Bulls could match any offer extended to Crawford.

Crawford has said he wanted to sign an extension, but Paxson said Crawford is handling the situation with maturity.

''Jamal was great about it,'' Paxson said. ''He's been so good about everything this offseason.