Rip Hamilton Could Join Bulls Today

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Dec 14, 2011 7:40PM

In a move that's been rumored for a week, Rip Hamilton could sign with the Bulls as soon as today. The former Pistons shooting guard was waived over the weekend as part of an amnesty period that allowed Detroit to remove much of Hamilton's remaining contract from their salary cap. The buyout nets Hamilton $8 million of the $19 million that was due him.

The Bulls have offered the 33-year-old guard a two-year, $10 million deal that would make up virtually all of the money he loses from Detroit. While all rumors have suggested Hamilton's coming to Chicago is a done deal, he did tweet yesterday, "Got my list narrowed down to 3 teams. 17 hours until I clear waivers. Can't wait Yesssssirr." But perception is he was just joking around.

If Hamilton joins the Bulls, he should fill the two guard spot quite nicely. During his career he has averaged 17.7 points/game. While that production slipped to 14.1 per contest last season, it's still a big upgrade from the Bulls production at the two guard slot last year and will take some of the scoring pressure away from Derrick Rose. And Hamilton is a proven winner, having led UConn to a NCAA championship and was a key member of the Pistons' 2004 title run.

The odd man out is likely Keith Bogans, who started all 82 games at shooting guard during the 2010-2011 season. A defensive specialist, he averaged just 4.4 points/game for the Bulls. The team hold an option for $1.7 million and has a few more days to exercise it. If Hamilton signs, Bogans may be looking for another team.