Paxson: Bulls 'more than willing' to work with Wade on buyout

Chicago Bulls president John Paxson said Thursday the team will listen to Dwyane Wade if he wants to pursue a buyout agreement, but said the front office has yet to speak directly with the veteran star.

"We haven't heard directly from Dwyane," Paxson told 670 The Score's Mully and Hanley. "We've talked to his representatives, Gar (Forman, Bulls GM) has been on the phone with his guy several times in the last few weeks ... but we understand where (Wade) is at this time in his career. We're more than willing to work with him."

Wade chose to pick up his $24-million option for this coming season days before the Bulls blew things up by trading franchise player Jimmy Butler. Unless he wants to be part of a rebuilding project moving forward, a buyout is probably the only way the 35-year-old Wade can play on a contender this season.

However, Paxson reiterated that any agreement must also be beneficial for the Bulls.

"It can't be something the player wins because that's what he wants," Paxson said. "We have to do what's in our best interest."