Portland was offered Pau Gasol for LaMarcus Aldridge, Sergio Rodriguez and Jamaal Magloire's expiring contract, according to New York Post beat writer Peter Vescey.

Vescey writes that it's unknown whether the Trail Blazers are receptive, or even if a counteroffer was solicited.

The Bulls still appear to be the most likely destination for Gasol, mainly due to their many desirable, exchangeable pieces.

Vescey believes the Bulls must include one of Luol Deng or Ben Gordon as a key piece, plus one of Andres Nocioni, Kirk Hinrich, Tyrus Thomas or Thabo Sefolosha in addition in addition to a first-rounder in the '08 or '09 draft, not this June.  Hakim Warrick would also be included from Memphis' end.

"Jerry definitely thinks he can get what he wants from Chicago," underlines an executive familiar with the proceedings.

Ben Wallace's knee is improving every day and, according to the Chicago Tribune, he may be back in the lineup on Wednesday when the Bulls meet the Clippers in Los Angeles.

Athletic trainer Fred Tedeschi said Monday the team's initial fears of a hyperextension and sprained left knee weren't realized.

Instead, Wallace suffered a contusion to his tendon below the knee when Heat forward Udonis Haslem's head struck Wallace's leg.

The Chicago Bulls? Ben Gordon and the Phoenix Suns? Steve Nash today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Jan. 22, through Sunday, Jan. 28.

Gordon averaged 26.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists in helping Chicago to a 3-1 week. He scored 34 points and added seven assists and six rebounds in Chicago?s 100-97 win over Miami on Jan. 27, and topped the 30-point mark two other times last week ? Jan. 30 vs. Dallas and Jan. 22 at Indiana.

Nash, who also won the award last week and the week of Dec. 11, averaged 22.5 points, a league-best 14.8 assists and 4.3 rebounds in helping Phoenix extend its winning streak to a franchise-record 17 games with a 4-0 week on the road. He registered 18 points, 16 assists and a season-high six rebounds in the Suns? 98-90 win at Milwaukee on Jan. 26, and notched at least 14 assists in all four games last week.

Ben Wallace's MRI on his left knee revealed no structural damage after a collision with Miami?s Udonis Haslem.

"We?re very happy that Ben?s injury doesn?t appear to be serious," trainer Fred Tedeschi said in a statement. "We hope to know more, in regard to his return to the court, in the next couple of days."

Wallace is listed as day-to-day.

Chicago Bulls star Andres Nocioni has admitted uncertainty over his contract could prevent him from playing for Argentina at this summer's Olympic qualifying tournament in Las Vegas.

A gold medal winner with the national team at the 2004 Olympics, Nocioni is a member of Argentina's golden generation along with Manu Ginobili, Fabricio Oberto and Luis Scola.

"I want to be in Las Vegas," He said. "I want to play for the national team to qualify for the (2008 Olympic) Games, but I cannot say today if I will be able."

Chicago defeated Miami 100-97 to win its third straight, but in the process lost center Ben Wallace to a left knee sprain with 5:01 remaining.

Wallace, who finished with 15 rebounds, will have further tests and is listed day-to-day.

Shaquille O'Neal sat out for the Heat.

The Dallas Mavericks are not necessarily seeking a trade, but if P.J. Brown was available for the right price the team would be interested, the Dallas Morning News is reporting.

The Mavericks don't have a lot of glaring weaknesses, but backup play behind Dirk Nowitzki has been an issue. Aside from another shooter ? which every team in the league could use ? another big man who can defend and score a little is the only item on their wish list.

Avery Johnson has an appreciation for players like Brown.

"I think he's been awfully good his whole career," Johnson said. "He's always been a stabilizer for his team with rebounding and in the paint. And he's always been really professional."

Many dominoes would have to fall for Brown to become available. But he's clearly the sort of player who is on the Mavs' radar.

Bulls coach Scott Skiles denied a published report the Bulls already had offered Ben Gordon to the Grizzlies as part of the Pau Gasol talks. Gordon is handling the situation professionally.

"I definitely understand Pax's job is always to look to upgrade the team," he said. "I understand the business. I just want to play. Whatever happens, I'm still going to be in the NBA."

Ben Wallace's back-to-back inactive fourth quarters have been circumstantial, not conspiratorial.

In other words, the Bulls aren't resting Wallace, 32, for the playoffs.

That's the word from coach Scott Skiles, who responded negatively Wednesday when asked directly if accumulating minutes are a concern regarding Wallace.

"Each time it has been something individual," Skiles said. "If I need to play Ben 48 minutes to win, I've already done that."

"Ben's game is unique and he has carved out an unbelievable niche for himself as a dominant defensive player ? with his overall energy and activity," Skiles said. "That's what we need from him all the time."

According to a league source, the Bulls have offered the Grizzlies a package that includes Ben Gordon, P.J. Brown and a first round draft pick in return for Pau Gasol, who has requested a trade.

The source also said Brown would be included in any trade made before the deadline.

"They have more value today than when the season started," Paxson said of Gordon and Luol Deng. "Everybody in this league would love to have Lu Deng and Ben Gordon. I'm glad we have them."