BRISTOL, Connecticut (Ticker) -- Ben Wallace apparently will take his defense to the Windy City.

 A four-time Defensive Player of the Year, Wallace will sign as a free agent with the Chicago Bulls, ESPN.com reported Monday night.

According to the report, Wallace will sign a four-year, $52 million deal to leave the Detroit Pistons for the Bulls. The Chicago Tribune reported Monday that the Pistons offered Wallace a four-year, $48 million deal.

"It was disappointing," Wallace told the newspaper of the Pistons' offer. "It was not at all what I expected."

A deal can't become official until July 12, when the salary cap is set for the 2006-07 season and exact contract values can be computed.

Landing Wallace would be major move for the Bulls, who have been seeking an interior defensive presence. The 6-9 Wallace more than fits the bill as a defensive force.

Last season, Wallace was the only player to finish among the league's top 10 in rebounds, blocks and steals en route to becoming the second four-time winner of the Defensive Player of the Year award.

While improving the Bulls, the move for Wallace also weakens a Central Division rival. Detroit won a franchise-record 64 games last season before being upset by the eventual champion Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals.

Wallace, 31, averaged 11.3 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and a career-high 1.8 steals last season to anchor a Pistons defense that ranked third in fewest points allowed (90.2).

In six seasons in Detroit, Wallace helped the Pistons win an NBA title and come within a quarter of capturing another. He also was one of the club's more popular players.

An 11-year veteran, Wallace has career averages of 6.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in 698 games.

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