From the outside looking in, Pistons' guard Chauncey Billups can't help but wonder, as some within the Bulls' organization must be, how not signing contract extensions is affecting Luol Deng and Ben Gordon.

"I'm sure they were disappointed, especially when they locked in a couple of their other young guys," Billups told the Detroit News, referring to Kirk Hinrich and Andres Nocioni. "It could well have something to do with their slow start."

"Now they have to worry about having a great year for next summer when they do it all again as [restricted] free agents. They have a lot going on there, obviously."

Deng and Gordon insist they don't regret turning down five-year deals for $57.5 million and $50 million, respectively.