Paxson Denies Kobe Trade Rumors

Chicago Bulls General Manger John Paxson Thursday said that Lakers star Kobe Bryant was not headed to Chicago. Paxson said that rumours were incorrect that the two teams were close to a deal involving the disgruntled guard from Los Angeles. Paxson also said that discussions between the two teams were over, at least for the present.

Paxson told the Associated Press “ There’s not a deal done. There’s not going to be a deal done. All the things that were out there were really unfair to all of us who were trying to do our jobs. The misinformation … I think gets in the way of the process. It’s just such a complicated thing and we kind of put it to rest now.”

Rumours were flying Wednesday that a three team deal including the Sacramento Kings was imminent. The rumours had Ben Gordon and PJ Brown going to the Kings, Ron Artest and Ben Wallace going to Los Angeles, and Bryant heading to Chicago. Paxson said the trade scenario was completely false.