Unable to reach terms on a contract extension before this season, Ben Gordon has told confidants he might sign a one-year tender offer next summer and become an unrestricted free agent after the 2008-09 season.

If they don't trade him first, the Bulls will make a qualifying offer of $6.4 million to keep Gordon as a restricted free agent next off-season. That would allow them to match any offers he might receive next summer.

The Bulls also can negotiate a long-term extension with Gordon next summer.