Jordan Hints at Return Next Season

Tipping his hand about his future plans for the first time, Michael Jordan said he hopes to win another NBA title and then “go right into next year.�

“Nobody can put a time frame, or a time limit, on something you love. Right now I love the game,� Jordan said before the Chicago Bulls’ game Thursday night at Sacramento. “I hope to fulfill all those expectations of winning a championship and go right into next year.�

Jordan has a one-year contract for $30 million this year. It’s unclear if he expects a raise next year, or if owner Jerry Reinsdorf will pay another $30 million or more for another season from his marquee player.

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One of two dozen NBA players with 20,000 points, Tom Chambers came out of retirement, saying he still can play well enough at 37 to help the Charlotte Hornets’ playoff drive. “I think people thought I’d died and gone away or something,� he said. He will be in uniform against Milwaukee tonight. . . . An MRI on Robert Pack’s ankle disclosed a severe bone bruise that will sideline the New Jersey Nets’ starting point guard probably until after the All-Star game on Feb. 9.