Percy Allen of the Seattle Times reports: The Chicago Bulls want to keep Jamal Crawford around, despite the popular belief that they have committed their future to Jay Williams.

When they drafted Jay, I didn't handle it the best way," Crawford said yesterday. "I just went home and worked out. It was nothing personal, I just wanted to get away and clear my head. ... I knew with all of the hype and everything that it would be hard to hold my job no matter what I did. I just wanted to get an equal shot."

Crawford was right, he didn't hold on to his job and began the season on the bench. However, Williams has struggled all season, while Crawford has gotten progressively better and moved into the starting lineup.

"We know what we have in Jamal," Bulls General Manager Jerry Krause said. "We want Jamal here. He and Jay can live together. ... People say this guy is Jerry's guy and or that guy is Jerry's guy. Jamal knows how I feel.

"We've had some tough sessions. I've had some sessions where I've gotten very annoyed with him. But he responds. He's grown up. He doesn't sulk."

Crawford will be a restricted free agent this summer, but Krause is confident he will return.

"Jamal has told me he's going to be here this summer and I believe it," Krause said.

"Did I believe him last summer? I had my doubts. Do I believe him now? I think he'll be in our strength and conditioning program all summer long. If he does that, he doesn't have a worry in the world."