John Paxson plans on opening talks next week with Ben Gordon and Luol Deng in an attempt to get the two to sign contract extensions before they become restricted free agents next summer.

''I think both of them know how all of us in this organization feel about them,'' Paxson said. ''I also am realistic and know it's not often that contracts come up and they have a chance to get security.

''This is an extension. They're not free agents. I'll go about it like I always have; I think I'll be fair. I'm not going to put pressure on us to get something done. I'd like to do it, but if it doesn't get done, it's not going to be a reflection on either side not having tried.''