Bulls' Kirk Hinrich Opts In For 2015-'16
(CBS) Bulls reserve guard Kirk Hinrich will return to Chicago after exercising his $2.8 million player option for the 2015-'16 season, the team announced Monday.
The move was expected, as Hinrich enjoys playing for the Bulls and was unlikely to draw more money on the open market. He'll provide depth off the bench to back up Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler, assuming the latter comes back as he enters restricted free agency.
Hinrich, 34, had an inconsistent 2014-'15 season, averaging 5.7 points on 37 percent shooting while appearing in 66 games, 22 of which were starts. He averaged 24.4 minutes per game.
If Butler re-signs, the Bulls will already have nearly $80 million committed to 10 players who will figure into the rotation mix: Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah, Rose, Butler, Hinrich, Doug McDermott, Nikola Mirotic, Taj Gibson, Tony Snell and first-round pick Bobby Portis. The luxury tax line is projected to be at $81.6 million, and the Bulls are operating as if they'll have to enter that status.
Hinrich has played 10 of his 12 NBA seasons with the Bulls.
