Bryon Russell and Michael Jordan have been linked since Jordan, then with the Chicago Bulls, made the game-winning jump shot over Utah's Russell in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA finals. Now, in a potential ironic twist, the two could be teammates, or at least members of the same franchise if Jordan, 39, retires.

The Washington Wizards have been in steady talks with Russell's agent about signing the free agent to a multi-year contract, sources with knowledge of the situation said yesterday. Russell, who would fill the Wizards' need for a starting small forward, is believed to be discussing a deal that would pay him a starting salary of $1.4 million -- Washington's league-allotted salary exception.

Dwight Manley, Russell's agent, said Washington is one of a handful of teams he has spoken with regarding Russell. Nothing is imminent with the Wizards, Manley said, but Russell would be a very good fit in Washington.