<
>

Kirk Hinrich exercises option, will return to Bulls next season

CHICAGO -- Veteran point guard Kirk Hinrich has exercised his player option and will return to the Chicago Bulls next season.

The option is worth close to $3 million and the move has been expected for weeks. Hinrich has spent 10 of his 12 NBA seasons playing in Chicago and has been open in years past about how much he enjoys playing for the organization.

Hinrich, 34, had the worst season of his career in 2014-15, averaging 5.7 points and 2.2 assists in 66 games.

RealGM.com earlier reported that Hinrich had exercised his player option to return next season.