Basketball: Jordan warns Bulls

Michael Jordan may leave the Chicago Bulls despite inspiring them to their fifth championship in seven years with the defeat of Utah Jazz this week.

Jordan, the most valuable player for the fifth time in the NBA finals, was top scorer against the Jazz and averaged 32.3 points overall in the finals. But he is threatening not to re-sign with Chicago if the Bulls fail to lure Phil Jackson back as coach. Jerry Reinsdorf, the owner, has hinted he may not offer Jackson the salary he is seeking.

"I'm not trying to twist Jerry Reinsdorf's arm," Jordan said. "It sounds like it. But I'd like to see us defend what we have, which is a championship team. I think we're entitled to defend what we have and Phil should be the coach."