Kirk Hinrich Agrees To Two-Year Chicago Bulls Contract

Former Chicago Bulls point guard and free agent Kirk Hinrich is preparing to return home. League sources on Sunday confirmed that Hinrich has verbally agreed to a two-year contract in the range of $3 million per season.

Chosen in the first round of the 2003 NBA draft Hinrich played for the Bulls until he was traded to the Washington Wizards two summers ago, a move meant to clear cap space for free agents. After being traded Hinrich admitted that he was surprised by his hometown teams choice to let him go.

Hinrich can not officially sign a new contract with the Chicago Bulls until Wednesday, at that time the leagues moratorium on business transactions will expire.

Speaking of his new teammate Bulls forward Taj Gibson told ESPN:

“Kirk is a phenomenal player. I played with Kirk my rookie year. He was phenomenal in helping me grow as a player. He was a phenomenal leader. He was one of those tough-minded players that doesn’t really care about much (besides) getting wins, and it would be great to have Kirky back on our team.

“But at the same time you’ve got to look at the aspect of it’s the NBA, it’s a business as a whole and I hope they can get it done because I know Kirk is a great player and it would help our team out a lot, especially right now in this season without Derrick (Rose).”

Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau wouldn’t confirm the trade but did note:

“He’s an experienced guy. He’s played very well for all the teams that he’s been with and he brings a lot in terms of veteran experience.”

In the meantime the Chicago Bulls also drafted point guard Marquis Teague, a 19-year-old first-round draft selection.

Kirk Hinrich is expected to fill in for Derrick Rose who is recovering from ACL surgery and will likely not return until January 2013.