Boston Firm Looking to Buy Palley Needelman

Dennis Rodman’s money manager is thinking about joining a new lineup.

Palley Needelman Asset Management Inc., the Newport Beach money management firm that handles the Chicago Bulls star’s fortune, reportedly is being pursued by Boston-based United Asset Management. If a deal is struck, United Asset is expected to pay $60 million to $80 million for Palley Needelman, says one person familiar with the talks.

A United Asset spokesman declined to comment on any talks between the firms. Roger Palley, president and chief investment officer of Palley Needelman, acknowledged that his firm is in discussions with United Asset, but played down any impending deal.

“We’ve talked to these people for eight years,” he said.