Worried that leading scorer Ben Gordon will leave for Detroit, the Chicago Bulls have contacted Indiana free-agent guard Marquis Daniels as a possible replacement.Daniels became a free agent last month when the Pacers did not pick up the option on a contract that would have paid him $7.2 million this season.
Although slowed by a wrist injury, Daniels is coming off his best season offensively, averaging 13.6 points and 2.1 assists. Based on the calls he has received Wednesday, he is shaping up as a second option for several teams that are chasing more sought-after wing players Gordon, Trevor Ariza and Ron Artest in free agency.
"He may have to be patient to see what else happens,'' said an NBA source. "There's no rush right now.''
Daniels, 28, has been contacted by more than a dozen teams. He still has an offseason home in Orlando, where he grew up, but the Magic have not shown any serious interest.
Through his six NBA seasons with Dallas and Indiana, Daniels has shown the versatility to play point guard, shooting guard and small forward. The Pacers have not ruled out the possibility of re-signing him for less money.
Daniels has received considerable interest because of the lack of shooting guards available this year in free agency. Once Kobe Bryant decided not to opt out of his contract, Gordon, Daniels, Anthony Parker of Toronto and Dahntay Jones of Denver became the most attractive.
