Jordan, Reinsdorf Ready To Make Deal

Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf quietly left Tuesday for Las Vegas. There, he will meet with Michael Jordan and David Falk, Jordan’s agent, to negotiate what probably will be Jordan’s last contract as a player for the Bulls.

Neither Reinsdorf nor Falk would comment on when talks would take place, both stating they will not discuss the matter publicly until an agreement is reached. But a source close to both parties told the Tribune talks could be wrapped up today, or Thursday at the latest.

Jordan, in Las Vegas to run a fantasy basketball camp, is seeking a one-year deal worth no less than $36 million, which represents a 20 percent raise from last season. Jordan earned a little more than $30 million for leading the Bulls to their fifth NBA title in seven years.

While Jordan technically is a free agent, the NBA rules allow his current team to exceed the league’s salary cap to keep him.

Reinsdorf has said he would like Jordan to consider a two-year deal, although his $36 million salary exceeds the salary cap by itself and would virtually preclude the Bulls adding any significant free agents when they begin the inevitable rebuilding process.

Reinsdorf said money will not be the main issue in Jordan talks, but he told the Tribune he is not prepared to promise Jordan that forward Scottie Pippen will not be used as trade bait.

After the team failed to deal Pippen in June, Jordan said he wanted it written into his contract that Pippen would remain a Bull in 1997-98. Pippen, who becomes a free agent after next season, will make $2.7 million.