A face-to-face meeting between John Paxson and James Posey established interest on both sides, and the Bulls are optimistic they can outbid Houston for Posey, a restricted free-agent small forward, if necessary.

But as Scottie Pippen's options continue to dwindle, Paxson is hoping he won't need to do so and that Pippen, his first choice and former teammate, will return to the franchise of his greatest glory.

Pippen continued to mull his decision Friday, mindful that Paxson has requested an answer by Monday.

Memphis is still a possibility for Pippen, with Ira Newble appearing ready to spurn the Grizzlies' offer. Newble is traveling to Boston to meet with Cleveland general manager Jim Paxson and coach Paul Silas at summer-league play and could sign a multiyear deal with the Cavaliers as early as Saturday.

That Memphis offered Newble a portion of its midlevel salary-cap exception of $4.91 million raises questions about how serious its interest is in Pippen.

Grizzlies majority owner Michael Heisley is said to be seeking minority partners, and Pippen has expressed a desire for a front-office position after his playing career. But a source close to Pippen theorized that Pippen wouldn't spend his own money to attain such involvement, so that option could be out.

Pippen talked to Miami's Pat Riley on Wednesday, but the Heat offered only the veteran's minimum of $1.5 million. San Antonio, another team Pippen has touted, has talked to him but doesn't sound willing to offer the midlevel exception.