With Memphis has already signed third year phenom Pau Gasol to a six-year, $86 million extension, Bulls center Eddy Curry is hoping he'll be next.

''We talked to [operations chief John] Paxson about a week ago and left an offer with him, and he said he would give it to [chairman Jerry] Reinsdorf,'' said Lamont Carter, who -- with Darren White -- represents Curry. ''We asked for the max, and Paxson said he didn't feel they'd pay that. We don't expect to hear anything from them right away. They haven't given us any numbers. Pau got his money because he's already proved himself.''

The Bulls and Curry have until October 31 to sign an extension otherwise Curry will become a restricted free agent after the season meaning Chicago has the right to match any offer that Curry may get from rival clubs.

''We figure they'll wait until the end of the preseason [Oct. 27] to make us a solid offer,'' White said. ''They want to wait and see how well he performs in practice and the preseason games. We feel that's fair. But if they don't make an acceptable offer, Eddy will play it out. And if he has a great season, it obviously will cost the Bulls plenty.''