The extraordinary events surrounding the Bulls' contract negotiations with center Eddy Curry are fast-breaking to what figures to be an ugly standoff within the next week, one that now seems almost certain to end the Bulls' career of the Thornwood High product.

It's a scenario perhaps unprecedented in the NBA: an arbitration ruling in favor of Curry may be the only way he will play again for the Bulls and even then it would be just for this season and at the discretion of a team Curry says he doesn't care to play for anymore. A peaceful resolution, considering recent comments from both sides, seems unlikely. Instead, here are the most likely scenarios: Curry is traded in the next week, he is barred from playing this season or he is sitting restively on the Bulls' bench.