"It has to be resolved," Reinsdorf said. "You know, we have a business disagreement relating to the money, but he's still a Chicago Bull, and I expect him to play for the Bulls. I expect him to play hard, and I'd be surprised if it's anything other than that... I don't know if it will be resolved before training camp, but I do expect him to be playing for the Bulls."

The Bulls have a genuine interest in re-signing Gordon and are believed to be offering around $58 million over six years. The team would also likely agree to a shorter deal if that's what Gordon would prefer.

Gordon is no doubt disappointed in the offer, otherwise he would have signed already. The Bulls gave forward Luol Deng $71 million in August, while Golden State's Monta Ellis, another undersized guard, received $66 million over six years.

At this point, there doesn't appear to be much interest around the league in a sign-and-trade for Gordon, since the new team would have to meet his asking price. Signing with a European team is probably not realistic.

That basically leaves Gordon with three choices: One is to accept the money the Bulls are willing to pay. Gordon could take the $6.4 million qualifying offer, spend this season with the Bulls and become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Or he could stay away from training camp and keep negotiating.

The Bulls will rescind the qualifying offer on Oct. 1, but will still keep his rights. Cleveland had two restricted free agents hold out last year, Anderson Varejao and Sasha Pavlovic. Both eventually joined the Cavs, but neither played very well last season.

The Bulls will open camp with their annual media night Sept. 29, then hold two practices the following day.