Joe Smith flew into Chicago from Phoenix to meet with the Bulls coaching staff and GM John Paxson at the Berto Center on Thursday, the Chicago Tribune is reporting.

The 12-year NBA veteran averaged 8.5 points and 6.2 rebounds in 65 games with the Nuggets and 76ers last season and is one of the Bulls main targets in free agency.

Sixers general manager Billy King has said publicly that re-signing the 6-foot-10-inch forward is a priority, and Smith, who played at Maryland, has a comfort level in the East.

But the Bulls, who likely would have to spend most or all of the midlevel salary cap exception of roughly $5.5 million to sign Smith, sold their vision and opportunity to win during a lunch with Smith, Paxson and coach Scott Skiles.

A similar recruiting pitch will follow Friday with Nets big man and Bulls-killer Mikki Moore. Saturday, Lakers center-forward Chris Mihm, who missed all of last season following ankle surgery, will visit the Berto Center.

Regardless of what happens with free agent Andres Nocioni, Chicago has their mid-level and bi-annual exceptions to work with to add players.