According to the Chicago Sun-Times, if it wasn't for a last second phone call between Bulls coach Scott Skiles and owner Jerry Reinsdorf, someone else may have been at the helm of the Bulls right now.

Skiles and Reinsdorf talked for about 30 minutes, resolving an impasse in negotiations for a contract extension and resulting in a reported four-year, $16 million deal.

''It was something I probably should have done a few days before that -- probably,'' said Skiles, who had cut off contract talks a day before he called Reinsdorf. ''I guess I just wanted a verbal assurance from the guy actually paying the check that he viewed me as somebody legitimate that was going to be part of this.''

''I mean, with the amount of money they're paying me, I knew they were -- assumed it anyway.''