Taking a cautious, long-term approach, the Bulls didn't play Tyson Chandler in Wednesday's season opener. Chandler wanted to start, which is why his competitive fire flashed when asked about his sore back. "I'm a little stiff and sore, but that should be expected being that these are my first two days of practice since my injury," Chandler said. "I don't like to watch anybody step up." Coach Bill Cartwright stuck to his stance of not wanting to lose Chandler for the long haul.

After being waived by the Chicago Bulls Thursday, Trenton Hassell agreed to a one-year guaranteed contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves Tuesday, worth in the neighborhood of $600,000 to $650,000.

"It feels good," Hassell said. "I have a little security right now. I know I will be playing somewhere."

Hassell was waived by the Bulls when he and his agent, Mark Bartlestein, did not agree with the club that it was in Trenton's best interest to be placed on the Bulls' injured reserve list.

The New Jersey Nets, Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors also showed interest, with the Heat going so far as to call Hassell "the best defending-No. 2 guard in the NBA" according to Hassell's financial advisor Jeff Cates.

Looking wan and disappointed, Bulls rookie Kirk Hinrich had no answers for how he contracted a severe viral infection that kept him out for a 10th straight day Monday.

The New York Knicks have cut center Travis Knight and guard Matt Carroll in order to get their roster down to the mandatory 15 places, meaning Othella Harrington is still a Knick... for now.

Chicago and Toronto have been in discussions with the Knicks about the disgruntled forward, with the Bulls ready to swoop should Harrington be waived.  Tyronne Hill remains another possibility for Chicago.

The Knicks also added forward Maciej Lampe (shin splints), forward Antonio McDyess (left knee surgery) and center Slavko Vranes (right patella tendinitis) have been placed on the Injured List, meaning each will miss a minimum of five games.

Othella Harrington and Tyrone Hill remain possibilities for the Chicago Bulls.

Harrington depends on whether the Knicks deal him today or buy him out.

Hill is a free agent and could be signed at any time.

"Hill's camp is hoping for more than the veteran's minimum, but the longer Hill remains unsigned, the better the chances for the Bulls."

There is speculation the Knicks may buy out Othella Harrington's contract, which would mean the Bulls can acquire him without making a trade. If that happens, Harrington will replace Linton Johnson on the roster.

All signs are pointing toward Bulls rookie Kirk Hinrich opening the season on the injured list as his viral infection enters its second week.

Hinrich hasn't practiced since Oct. 17, and he's not expected to practice for the foreseeable future. The Bulls open the regular season Wednesday at home against the Washington Wizards. Any player on the injured list has to miss a minimum of five games, and Hinrich is expected to be on the list with Jay Williams and Linton Johnson.

"In some of the least surprising news in team history, the Bulls officially picked up the fourth-year options on Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry on Friday."

"The former Bulls general manager will have his own banner hanging at the United Center, right next to Jordan and Jackson - two people who didn't always hold Krause in high regard."

The Chicago Bulls waived guard Trenton Hassell on Thursday reducing their roster to 15.

Hassell averaged 6.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and two assists in 160 games with the Bulls over two seasons. He made 100 starts and was one of Chicago's best defensive players.