Ben Gordon realizes that discussions about a contract extension with the Chicago Bulls is purely business, and he is not taking anything personally.

Gordon, however, believes he is the best player on the team, and his contract should reflect that.  The Bulls are also discussing an extension with Luol Deng, who many consider to be the Bulls best player, although Gordon doesn't believe that Deng's negotiations will affect his in any way.

"Nah, nah, nah," Gordon said. "Lu's money isn't going to benefit me, and it's not going to cause me any harm. I'm always just looking at a deal that I think I deserve and is good for me. I don't count other people's money."

According to the Chicago Tribune, league sources said if no extension was reached, Gordon's camp had discussed signing the Bulls' one-year tender offer next summer and then playing out the 2008-09 season to become an unrestricted free agent.

Whether that's merely a hard-line negotiating scare tactic remains to be seen.

"The kind of person I am, I always like to make my decisions on principle," Gordon said. "I try to think things through and make the best decision for myself.

"I want to retire here. This is the first team that gave me my chance to live out my dream. But it's a business both ways. So you just hope for the best."