Mike Tulumello of the Tribune reports that the Suns and the expansion Bobcats are close to finalizing a deal that would send Jahidi White to Charlotte. Freeing up White's salary will allow the Suns to enter the Kobe Bryant sweepstakes.

Under the concept, which has been bandied about for months, the Bobcats would agree to take White, who has one year and $5.9 million left on his contract, if the Suns gave them at least a firstround draft pick and $3 million in cash.

Such a trade, which could be announced during Tuesday?s expansion draft, would give the Suns about $14 million to go after free agents.