On the eve of his first draft as Bulls general manager, John Paxson sat in his office talking on the phone as another line rang and his cell phone followed suit.

"There are a lot of people calling to find out what everybody thinks is happening around the league," Paxson said. "We've had some talks with teams, but nothing that is of real substance."

Take Paxson's words for what they're worth. Part of a general manager's job description at this time of year is to bluff.

Paxson's busy phone lines were simply one indication the Bulls spent Wednesday trying to trade their No. 7 pick for a veteran who can contribute immediately.

Divided opinion in management on whom to draft?Marquette's Dwyane Wade, Georgia's Jarvis Hayes, French swingman Mickael Pietrus, Kansas' Kirk Hinrich?was another.