"Bell says he's open to re-signing with team

Warriors guard Raja Bell is optimistic he'll be able to play again before the end of the season and said he's open to signing with the team this summer, when he's set to become a free agent.

Bell played one game for the Warriors, on Nov. 18, after he was acquired from Charlotte in the Stephen Jackson deal. He had surgery in early December on his left wrist and had the cast removed last month. He is aiming to return in late March and hasn't ruled out staying with the Warriors for next season and beyond.

Bell told ESPN.com earlier Friday that he wasn't seeking a buyout of his $5.3 million contract so he could sign with a playoff contender. Buyouts have to be completed before March 1 for a player to be eligible for the playoffs.

Bell told local reporters Friday he didn't spend much time thinking about a trade, even though his expiring contract would have been enticing to some teams. Since that didn't happen - perhaps because of the uncertainty of his injury - Bell said he and Warriors general manager Larry Riley have talked about extending the relationship."