Joakim Noah wants a long-term deal with the Bulls and hopes to have one in place by the start of the season.

Noah says his agent, Donald Dell, has already begun discussing a possible contract extension with Chicago general manager Gar Forman.

"Of course that's the goal," Noah said. "I'm not really worried about it. I think everything's going to happen with time and at the end of the day, I'm really excited about the upcoming season."

Forman said Sunday night that it's the team's policy not to speak publicly about contract negotiations.

Noah will make $3.1 million this coming season in the fourth year of his rookie deal. He will become a restricted free agent next season unless the Bulls extend his contract.