After the Chicago Bulls were unable to find a taker for Tim Thomas, they will begin discussing a contract buyout with the forward, general manager John Paxson said.

Thomas, earning approximately $14 million in the final year of his contract, hopes to join a playoff team. Players waived after March 1 are not eligible for the postseason.

"We are working on a way to resolve it," Paxson said. "My only issue is I don't want Tim to go to a direct competitor with us ? someone we're chasing, whatever."