Around The Rim

The message from Chicago behind the Bulls' trade (reported Monday) of forward Scottie Pippen to the Rockets: We're rebuilding. That's why Chicago balked at rewarding Pippen for his years of service and why the price tag for the seven-time All-Star was piddling—journeyman forward Roy Rogers and a second-round draft pick....

With player signings scheduled to resume this week, here are some of the other deals that were in the air: After the Heat refused to include forward P.J. Brown as part of a package for Warriors guard Latrell Sprewell, Golden State was exploring a four-team deal that would have routed Sprewell to Miami and also would have sent, among others, Brent Barry from the Heat to the Warriors, Jamal Mashburn from the Heat to the Celtics and Paul Pierce from the Celtics to the Cavaliers....

Free-agent center Luc Longley, who was disappointed that the Bulls had not contacted him, turned his attention to the Suns and their gaping hole in the middle....

The Pacers were hoping to resign free-agent point guard Travis Best for around $3 million a season, but Indiana was concerned that the Clippers might make a pitch and drive up his price. All-Star free-agent center Rik Smits, meanwhile, was a lock to remain in Indiana....

The Celtics, in need of a center but operating under limited cap room, were trying to woo free agent Michael Stewart from Sacramento.