Still in need of a veteran point guard, the Chicago Tribune is reporting that unrestricted free agent Kirk Hinrich has verbally agreed to return to play for the Chicago Bulls.
Hinrich was traded to the Washington Wizards in the summer of 2010 in order to create cap space so the team could make a run at LeBron James and native Chicagoan, Dwyane Wade, in what may have been the best free-agent class ever. Since his departure, it has long been speculated that Hinrich would eventually wear a Bulls uniform again as the front office is enamored with him.
Hinrich played 48 games for the Wizards during the 2010-2011 season before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks. Hinrich spent last season in Atlanta where he appeared in 48 games, starting 31 of them. The 31-year-old guard has always been a fan favorite in Chicago and was instrumental in leading the Bulls to the NBA Playoffs in five of his seven seasons in the Windy City.
Terms of the deal have yet to be disclosed but the acquisition of Hinrich – who still makes Chicago his home in the off season – means that C.J. Watson will not be returning next year.
Hinrich, a nine-year veteran, has career averages of 12.5 points and 5.4 assists.
