Sources close to Richard Hamilton maintain the 35-year-old shooting guard isn't retiring yet, reports Lang Greene of HoopsWorld. The 14-year veteran free agent would like to sign with an Eastern Conference team that has legitimate playoff hopes for the coming season, Greene adds.
The Bulls waived Hamilton last week on the day his $5MM contract for 2013/14 was set to become fully guaranteed. The move was no surprise after a disappointing two-year stint with Chicago, during which Hamilton was beset with injuries. He appeared in only four of the team's 12 playoff games this spring. Hamilton believes his poor health and lack of stylistic fit with the Bulls system were the reasons for his subpar performance, and he feels like he can make a stronger contribution if he finds the right destination, according to Greene.
The Creative Artists Agency client averaged 10.5 points per game in his time with the Bulls, the lowest output in any two-year stretch of his career. His 10.6 PER last season was also a new low for him. He'll probably have to settle for the minimum salary or a contract worth just slightly more.